At $12,437/yr net price, Augustana College graduates earn $62,971/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $28,971/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,437 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $49,748 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $62,971/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$28,971/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 79.2% |
| 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 | $15,549/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,949/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,567/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,075/yr |
| $110,001+ | $6,658/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $54,748 | $27,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $54,252 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $47,148 | $27,000 |
| International Business. | Bachelor | $44,942 | $25,500 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $41,937 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $41,193 | $27,000 |
| Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences. | Bachelor | $41,025 | |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $26,375 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $36,941 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $36,668 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
79.2% of students at Augustana College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 21% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Augustana College delivers solid financial returns despite being a private institution, with graduates earning a median $62,971 annually while carrying manageable debt loads of $27,000. The low net price of $12,437 makes this Liberal Arts college unexpectedly affordable for a private school.
Computer Science and Accounting graduates see the strongest earnings potential at around $54,000, making these programs clear winners for your investment. Business Administration also performs well at $47,148, though International Business and Mathematics trail significantly in the low-to-mid $40,000 range. If you're considering the latter programs, factor in whether the earnings justify the same debt load.
The biggest financial risk lies in Augustana's limited aid reach. Only 22% of students receive financial assistance, meaning most families pay closer to sticker price. This creates a sharp divide between those who qualify for substantial aid packages and those who don't. Your family income level will largely determine whether this school makes financial sense.
You're a strong candidate for Augustana if you qualify for their need-based aid or plan to study Computer Science or Accounting. The 79% graduation rate suggests most students complete their degrees, reducing the risk of paying without finishing. However, if you're full-pay and interested in lower-earning majors like Mathematics, public alternatives will likely offer better value.
The retention rate of 83% indicates satisfied students, but focus on whether you can access Augustana's apparent generous aid packages. Without substantial financial assistance, the economics become much less compelling for middle-income families who fall outside the aid threshold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Augustana College worth the cost for most students?
At $12,437 net price per year, Augustana College offers reasonable value with graduates earning $62,971 annually after 10 years. The relatively low debt load of $27,000 and strong 79% graduation rate make it a solid choice for students who finish their degrees.
Which Augustana College programs have the best return on investment?
Computer Science and Accounting graduates from Augustana College earn the highest starting salaries at around $54,000. Business programs pay less at $47,000, while Math graduates start at $41,937, making STEM and business fields the strongest financial choices.
How much debt do Augustana College students typically graduate with?
Augustana College graduates carry a median debt of $27,000, which is manageable given the school's low net price and decent earning potential. This debt level is reasonable compared to many private colleges.
Does Augustana College provide good financial aid to make it affordable?
Yes, Augustana College's net price of $12,437 per year indicates substantial financial aid for most families. This makes the private college competitive with many public universities in terms of actual cost.