At $28,599/yr net price, Arlington Baptist University graduates earn $44,644/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,644/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $28,599 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $114,396 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,644/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,644/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 10.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 4.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $24,353/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $25,963/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $31,779/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $32,224/yr |
| $110,001+ | $31,647/yr |
The Risk Factor
4.5% of students at Arlington Baptist University 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
Arlington Baptist University presents a financially risky proposition with weak returns across most metrics. Your median earnings of $44,644 ten years after graduation barely exceed what many community college graduates earn, while you'll pay nearly $29,000 annually and likely graduate with $27,000 in debt.
The 4.5% graduation rate creates massive financial risk. With fewer than 1 in 20 students completing their degree, you face overwhelming odds of leaving with debt but no diploma. The 44% retention rate signals that most students recognize the poor value proposition quickly and transfer elsewhere.
The earnings data suggests that even graduates who do finish struggle in the job market. Texas offers strong employment opportunities, but ABU's programs appear to provide limited access to higher-paying regional positions. The school's small size and limited industry connections likely restrict networking and internship opportunities that boost post-graduation earnings.
You should only consider ABU if you have specific religious reasons for attending and can afford to lose your investment. The financial aid rate of 55% means nearly half of students pay full price, making this an expensive gamble. Merit scholarships may be available given the low retention numbers, but even substantial aid cannot overcome the fundamental completion and earnings problems.
Your money would generate better returns at Texas state universities, community colleges, or regional private schools with stronger graduation rates. ABU works financially only if you view education costs as donations to a religious mission rather than investments in your career prospects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arlington Baptist University worth the cost?
Arlington Baptist University's graduates earn $44,644 annually after 10 years, which is low compared to the $28,599 annual cost. With a graduation rate of just 4.5%, most students don't complete their degree, making the investment particularly risky.
What is the return on investment for Arlington Baptist University?
The ROI is poor - graduates earn about $44,600 after 10 years while paying nearly $29,000 annually. The extremely low 4.5% graduation rate means 95% of students don't finish their program, losing their investment entirely.
How much debt do Arlington Baptist University graduates have?
Graduates who complete their degree have median debt of $27,000. However, with such a low graduation rate, most students accumulate debt without earning a degree, making debt management a major concern.
Does Arlington Baptist University provide good financial aid?
Even with financial aid, students pay an average net price of $28,599 per year. Given the low earnings and graduation outcomes, the financial aid isn't sufficient to make this a sound investment for most students.