Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,602 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $26,408 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 26.3% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,602/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,602/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,602/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $6,602/yr |
| $110,001+ | $6,602/yr |
The Risk Factor
26.3% of students at Antioch 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
Antioch College presents a high-risk financial proposition despite its low net price of $6,602 annually. The 26% graduation rate means nearly three-quarters of students leave without a degree, making this one of the worst completion rates among four-year colleges nationally.
The college's experimental approach and small size limit career services and alumni networks compared to traditional institutions. Yellow Springs offers few local employment opportunities, so you'll likely need to relocate after graduation to find work matching your degree level.
Liberal arts and social justice programs dominate the curriculum, fields that typically require graduate school for strong earning potential. The college's work-study cooperative education model can provide practical experience, but the low retention rate suggests many students struggle with the academic structure or financial pressures despite the affordable tuition.
You should consider Antioch only if you're committed to its specific educational philosophy and can afford the risk of potentially not graduating. The low net price makes it accessible, but the poor outcomes data indicates serious academic or institutional challenges that affect most students.
Students seeking reliable career preparation and strong alumni networks should look elsewhere. The financial aid covers most costs for qualifying students, but the investment only pays off if you actually complete your degree. With six out of ten students leaving after freshman year, your chances of staying enrolled through graduation are concerning regardless of the affordable price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Antioch College worth the money?
Antioch College has a very low net price at $6,602 per year, but the 26% graduation rate creates significant risk that students won't finish their degree. The low cost makes it potentially worthwhile for students who are committed to completing their program.
What is Antioch College's return on investment?
With a 26% graduation rate, most Antioch College students don't complete their degrees, making ROI calculations difficult. Students who do graduate face limited earning potential compared to larger universities.
How much debt do Antioch College graduates have?
The low net price of $6,602 annually means Antioch College students typically graduate with less debt than average. However, the poor graduation rate means many students leave with debt but no degree.
Are Antioch College programs worth it financially?
Antioch College's liberal arts programs are affordable but don't typically lead to high-paying careers. The school's co-op program provides work experience, but the extremely low graduation rate undermines the value of any program.