At $17,401/yr net price, Appalachian Bible College graduates earn $37,467/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,467/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $17,401 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $69,604 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,467/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,467/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 20.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 75.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $16,089/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,437/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,260/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $3,591/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,851/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bible/Biblical Studies. | Bachelor | $20,687 | $12,500 |
The Risk Factor
75.6% of students at Appalachian Bible College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 24% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Appalachian Bible College delivers weak financial returns that make sense only for students pursuing ministry careers or those prioritizing faith-based education over earnings potential. The median graduate earns just $37,467 ten years after enrollment, well below what you'll find at most four-year colleges.
The Bible/Biblical Studies program, which dominates enrollment, produces graduates earning only $20,687 annually while carrying $12,500 in debt. This creates a challenging debt-to-income ratio that assumes you'll find stable ministry work in rural West Virginia or relocate to areas with better job markets for religious workers.
Your financial risk centers on the limited career paths available with degrees from this college. The regional job market offers few high-paying opportunities, and the specialized nature of biblical studies limits your options if you decide against ministry work. The 75.6% graduation rate suggests some students realize this mismatch before completing their programs.
This college makes financial sense if you're called to ministry work and value the low debt load over earning potential. The $11,000 median debt keeps your financial burden manageable compared to most private colleges. However, you should look elsewhere if you need higher earnings to support a family or pay off other debts.
With only 40.9% of students receiving financial aid, merit scholarships appear limited. Your best cost strategy involves completing your degree quickly and minimizing living expenses in this low-cost area. Consider this college only if ministry work aligns with your long-term goals and you can live comfortably on below-average wages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Appalachian Bible College worth the cost?
Graduates earn $37,467 annually after 10 years, which is below the national average for college graduates. With median debt of $11,000, the financial return is limited but the debt burden is relatively low.
What is the ROI for Appalachian Bible College graduates?
The ROI is poor compared to most colleges due to low post-graduation earnings. Biblical Studies graduates specifically earn around $20,687, making it difficult to justify the cost from a purely financial perspective.
How much debt do Appalachian Bible College students typically graduate with?
The median debt is $11,000, which is lower than many colleges. However, given the low earning potential of graduates, even this modest debt level may be challenging to repay quickly.
Which programs at Appalachian Bible College have the best job prospects?
The school primarily offers Bible and Biblical Studies programs, which typically lead to ministry positions with limited earning potential. Career prospects are generally better suited for those pursuing religious vocations rather than high-paying careers.