At $6,740/yr net price, Allegheny Wesleyan College graduates earn $37,453/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,453/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,740 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $26,960 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,453/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,453/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 40.0% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,047/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,491/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,101/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,346/yr |
The Risk Factor
40.0% of students at Allegheny Wesleyan 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
Allegheny Wesleyan College presents a concerning financial picture with median earnings of just $37,453 ten years after graduation and a graduation rate of only 40%. The low net price of $6,740 annually cannot offset the poor employment outcomes for most students.
Your biggest risk at Allegheny Wesleyan is not finishing your degree. With a retention rate of 57%, nearly half of students leave after their first year, and only 4 in 10 ever graduate. Those who do complete their programs face below-average earnings in Ohio's job market, where the median household income exceeds $58,000.
The school's religious focus limits program variety, concentrating on ministry and Christian education fields that typically offer lower compensation. If your career goal is pastoral work or faith-based education, the specialized training may justify the investment. For other career paths, you will likely find better opportunities elsewhere.
Financial aid reaches fewer than half of students, suggesting limited scholarship opportunities beyond basic need-based assistance. The low sticker price means less room for merit discounts compared to higher-priced institutions.
Allegheny Wesleyan makes financial sense only if you have a clear calling to ministry work and value the specific religious training over earning potential. Students seeking broader career options or higher financial returns should consider state universities or other private colleges with stronger graduation rates and alumni earning outcomes. The combination of low completion rates and modest graduate earnings creates substantial financial risk for most students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Allegheny Wesleyan College worth the cost?
Allegheny Wesleyan College offers a very low net price at $6,740 per year, but graduates earn just $37,453 after 10 years. With a 40% graduation rate, many students don't finish their degrees, making the investment risky even at a low cost.
What is the return on investment for Allegheny Wesleyan College?
The ROI is poor - graduates earn below the national average at $37,453 annually while many students never graduate. The low tuition doesn't offset the weak earning potential and high dropout risk.
Do Allegheny Wesleyan College graduates struggle with student debt?
While the low net price of $6,740 means less debt accumulation, the bigger problem is the 40% graduation rate and below-average earnings. Students risk taking on debt without completing their degree or earning enough to justify the investment.
Which programs at Allegheny Wesleyan College have the best job prospects?
Specific program data isn't available, but with overall graduate earnings of just $37,453 and a 40% graduation rate, no programs appear to offer strong career outcomes. Students should carefully research job placement rates before enrolling.