At $21,504/yr net price, Adrian College graduates earn $55,504/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $21,504/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,504 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $86,016 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $55,504/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$21,504/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 56.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,688/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,581/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,528/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,062/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,926/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $42,188 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $42,123 | $27,000 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $38,829 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $28,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $37,671 | $30,994 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $37,208 | $27,000 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $32,382 | $27,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $30,554 | $27,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $30,228 |
The Risk Factor
56.0% of students at Adrian College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Adrian College delivers weak financial returns that put graduates at significant economic disadvantage. With median earnings of $55,504 ten years after graduation and typical debt loads of $27,000, your investment barely clears the bar for college-educated income levels.
The numbers get worse when you examine specific programs. Marketing and business administration graduates earn just over $42,000 annually while carrying the same debt burden as higher-earning peers. Education majors face the steepest financial challenge, earning $37,671 while shouldering nearly $31,000 in debt. Criminal justice graduates earn slightly more at $38,289 but still struggle with substantial debt relative to their income potential.
Adrian's 56% graduation rate compounds these financial risks. Nearly half of students who start here never finish, leaving them with debt but no degree. The 60% retention rate signals many students recognize early that the value proposition doesn't work.
You should consider Adrian only if you receive substantial merit aid that brings your net costs well below the $21,504 average. The school may work for students planning graduate school in fields where the bachelor's degree serves as a stepping stone rather than a terminal credential. Local students who can commute and reduce housing costs might find better value.
Skip Adrian if you're paying full freight or taking significant loans. The combination of modest earnings potential, high debt loads, and poor completion rates creates a financial trap. Students with similar academic profiles can find better returns at Michigan's public universities or private schools with stronger financial aid packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Adrian College worth the cost for the ROI?
Adrian College graduates earn a median of $55,504 after 10 years, which is below average for the $21,504 annual cost. With only a 56% graduation rate and $27,000 in typical debt, the financial return is modest compared to similar schools.
What are the best paying majors at Adrian College?
Marketing and Business Administration are the top earners at Adrian College, with graduates making around $42,000 annually. However, these salaries are relatively low compared to national averages for business majors.
How much student debt do Adrian College graduates typically have?
Adrian College graduates carry a median debt of $27,000, which is manageable relative to their $55,504 median earnings. The debt-to-income ratio is reasonable, though the overall earning potential remains limited.
Should I attend Adrian College if I want to be a teacher?
Adrian College education majors earn about $37,671, which aligns with typical teacher salaries in Michigan. Given the school's education programs and the stable job market for teachers, this could be a reasonable choice despite the modest pay.