At $12,197/yr net price, Bacone College graduates earn $40,006/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,006/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,197 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $48,788 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,006/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,006/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 8.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 2.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,187 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,948/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,612/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,154/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,837/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,353/yr |
The Risk Factor
2.4% of students at Bacone 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
Bacone College presents a high-risk financial proposition with poor returns across nearly all metrics. The 2.4% graduation rate means 97 out of 100 students leave without a degree, making any ROI calculation largely theoretical for most enrollees.
Your chances of completing a program here are extraordinarily low, and the 30.77% retention rate indicates most students recognize problems quickly and transfer elsewhere. For the rare graduate, median earnings of $40,006 ten years post-enrollment barely justify the $26,187 median debt load, especially considering the opportunity cost of four years that could have been spent earning income or attending a more stable institution.
The college's tribal affiliation and focus on Native American students creates a specific cultural value that some families prioritize over financial returns. If you qualify for tribal education benefits or specific scholarships tied to Native American heritage, the actual cost could drop significantly below the $12,197 net price. However, even free tuition cannot offset the risk of not graduating.
You should seriously consider this school only if you have guaranteed funding, strong family or cultural ties to the institution, and backup educational plans. The financial aid rate of 53% suggests limited institutional resources for supporting struggling students through to graduation.
Community college followed by transfer to a four-year university with higher completion rates offers better financial prospects for most students considering Bacone. The combination of extremely low graduation rates and modest graduate earnings makes this institution financially viable only for students with very specific circumstances and strong external support systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bacone College worth the cost?
Bacone College has serious value concerns with a 10-year median earning of $40,006 and a graduation rate of just 2.4%. The low net price of $12,197 per year helps, but the extremely poor graduation rate suggests most students don't complete their programs.
What is the return on investment for Bacone College graduates?
Bacone College graduates earn a median of $40,006 ten years after enrollment, which is below average for college graduates. With typical debt of $26,187, the financial return is modest compared to other schools.
How much debt do Bacone College students typically graduate with?
Bacone College graduates carry a median debt of $26,187. However, the 2.4% graduation rate means most students may accumulate debt without completing their degree.
Does Bacone College have good job placement after graduation?
Bacone College's 10-year earnings data shows graduates earning $40,006 annually, which is relatively low. The extremely low graduation rate of 2.4% raises questions about the school's ability to help students complete programs and find employment.