At $19,294/yr net price, American Baptist College graduates earn $41,216/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,216/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,294 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $77,176 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,216/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,216/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 10.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 33.3% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,655/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $20,252/yr |
The Risk Factor
33.3% of students at American Baptist College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
American Baptist College gives you a weak financial return. You pay $19,294 a year in net price, and ten years after enrolling the median graduate earns $41,216. That earnings figure sits close to what many people make without any degree at all, so the payoff for the price you're taking on is thin.
The graduation rate is the biggest risk here. Only a third of students finish, which means you have a real chance of paying tuition, taking on debt, and leaving without the credential that was supposed to justify the cost. The 80% first-year retention rate says most students come back after year one, so the drop-off happens later. Debt without a degree is the worst financial outcome, and at this school it's a live possibility for two out of three students.
No bachelor's program earnings are listed in the data, so there's no way to tell you which majors here pay off and which don't. American Baptist College is a small religious institution, and its programs center on ministry and theology, fields where earnings tend to run low regardless of the school. If your goal is maximizing income, the median outcome here already tells you this isn't the place for it.
The net price barely moves across income tiers. If your family earns under $30k, you pay $18,655. between $30k and $48k, you pay slightly more, $20,252. Lower income doesn't buy you a meaningfully lower price, so budget for close to the full $19,000 either way.
This school fits you if you're called to ministry and accept the earnings tradeoff up front. If you're choosing based on financial return, look elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is American Baptist College worth the cost?
American Baptist College has concerning ROI metrics with graduates earning $41,216 ten years after enrollment against a net price of $19,294 per year. The 33% graduation rate means most students don't complete their programs, making the investment risky for many.
What is the return on investment for American Baptist College graduates?
Graduates earn about $41,216 annually ten years post-enrollment, which is below the national average for college graduates. With annual costs around $19,294, students need several years to recover their educational investment.
How much debt do American Baptist College students typically have?
While specific debt data varies, the low graduation rate of 33% means many students accumulate debt without completing degrees. Students should carefully consider financial aid packages and career prospects in ministry or related fields before enrolling.
Which programs at American Baptist College have the best job prospects?
As a seminary focused on ministry training, job outcomes depend heavily on pastoral placement and denominational connections rather than salary potential. Students should evaluate calling to ministry alongside financial considerations, as religious work typically offers modest compensation.