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 gives you a modest financial return that fits its mission but not a high-paying career path. Ten years out, the typical graduate earns around $37,000, which sits below what many bachelor's holders make and just above what you might earn without a degree. The upside is that you carry very little debt out of the gate , $11,000 median , so you're not digging out of a deep hole after graduation.
The one bachelor-level program with reported earnings, Bible/Biblical Studies, pays about $20,700 a year while leaving you with $12,500 in debt. That is a hard financial equation: you'd owe more than half a year's salary on a degree that funds ministry work, not a lucrative field. If you're coming here, you're likely doing it for a calling in West Virginia church and mission work, where pay is low by design. Judge this school on that basis, because the paycheck won't compete with secular programs.
The retention rate of 85% and graduation rate above 75% mean you have a strong chance of finishing what you start, which protects you from the worst outcome , debt with no degree. That's the real financial strength here.
The net price tiers hold a surprise. If your family income falls between $75,000 and $110,000, your net price drops to roughly $3,600 , far cheaper than every other bracket, including families earning under $30,000 who pay over $16,000. Lower-income families see almost no discount, so if you're in that group, weigh the cost carefully.
This school fits you if ministry is your goal and cost control matters more than salary. If you want a degree that pays back in earnings, look elsewhere.
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.