At $16,882/yr net price, Albion College graduates earn $58,799/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $24,799/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $16,882 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $67,528 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $58,799/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$24,799/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 57.1% |
| 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 | $11,241/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,541/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,936/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,176/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,793/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $62,632 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $45,715 | |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $41,349 | $26,849 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $35,420 | $26,047 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $27,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $30,771 | $27,000 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $29,685 | $22,845 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $27,222 | |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $20,140 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
57.1% of students at Albion 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
Albion College delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. The accounting program stands out as the clear winner, generating median earnings that justify the typical debt load. Business administration graduates earn modestly above the overall median, while economics majors face a concerning gap between their debt and earning potential.
Education majors encounter the steepest financial challenge at Albion. With median earnings of $35,420 against $26,047 in debt, you need to carefully weigh your career goals against the financial reality. Physical education graduates face an even tougher return on investment.
The 57% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. If you struggle academically or lack strong study habits, you could accumulate debt without earning your degree. The 69% retention rate signals that many students transfer or drop out after freshman year.
Albion works financially if you plan to major in accounting or business and can commit to completing your degree. The relatively low net price compared to similar private colleges helps, but only if you graduate and enter a higher-paying field.
You should look elsewhere if you want to study education or physical education, unless you have strong personal reasons to attend Albion specifically. The financial returns in these fields do not support the debt levels, even with the school's lower-than-average pricing for a private college.
With less than half of students receiving financial aid, merit scholarship opportunities appear limited. Your best cost strategy involves choosing accounting or business administration and maintaining the academic focus needed to graduate within four years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Albion College worth the cost for the salary you'll earn?
With graduates earning a median of $58,799 after 10 years and typical debt around $27,000, Albion College provides decent but not exceptional returns. The accounting program stands out with $62,632 median earnings, while education and fitness majors earn significantly less at $33,000-35,000.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Albion College?
Albion College has a concerning 57% graduation rate, meaning nearly half of students don't finish their degree. Those who do graduate and pursue accounting or business generally find better job markets than education or fitness majors.
How much debt do Albion College students typically graduate with?
Albion College graduates carry a median debt of $27,000, which is manageable given the $58,799 median earnings after 10 years. The debt-to-income ratio works out reasonably for most programs, especially accounting and business.
Which Albion College programs offer the best return on investment?
Accounting is Albion's strongest ROI program with $62,632 median earnings, followed by business management at $45,715. Education and fitness programs show poor returns with starting salaries around $33,000-35,000 despite similar tuition costs.