At $28,827/yr net price, Barclay College graduates earn $36,355/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,355/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $28,827 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $115,308 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,355/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,355/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 49 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 55.2% |
| 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 | $27,413/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $27,766/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $34,150/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $37,980/yr |
The Risk Factor
55.2% of students at Barclay College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Barclay College delivers poor financial returns with median earnings of just $36,355 ten years after graduation. This small Christian college in rural Kansas struggles with basic student success metrics that signal deeper financial risks for your investment.
The retention rate of 48% means half of students leave after freshman year, and the 55% graduation rate means many who stay still don't finish. These completion problems multiply your cost per degree and extend time to earning potential. Your median debt of $27,000 creates a challenging debt-to-income ratio given the low post-graduation earnings.
Barclay's programs center on ministry, education, and business administration within a Christian framework. Ministry positions typically offer lower compensation, which explains the weak earnings outcomes. Education majors may find better job prospects in Kansas rural districts facing teacher shortages, but starting salaries remain modest. Business graduates face limited opportunities in the local Haviland job market and may need to relocate to larger Kansas cities.
This school makes financial sense only if you're committed to Christian ministry work and value the specific religious environment over earnings potential. The high percentage receiving aid suggests significant merit and need-based opportunities, but even with discounts, the return on investment remains weak.
You should look elsewhere if maximizing earning potential matters to your career goals. The combination of high dropout risk, low graduation rates, and poor earnings outcomes creates multiple paths to financial disappointment. Consider larger Kansas universities or community college transfers for better job market access and stronger completion rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Barclay College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Barclay College graduates earn a median of $36,355 ten years after graduation, which is below the national average for college graduates. With a net price of $28,827 annually and typical debt of $27,000, the return on investment is limited compared to many other institutions.
What is the graduation rate at Barclay College and does it affect value?
Barclay College has a 55% graduation rate, meaning nearly half of students don't complete their degree. This significantly impacts the school's value since students who don't graduate still carry debt without the earnings benefit of a degree.
How much debt do Barclay College students typically graduate with?
Barclay College graduates carry a median debt of $27,000. Given that graduates earn around $36,000 annually, this debt level represents a substantial portion of early career income and may strain loan repayment ability.
Which programs at Barclay College offer the best return on investment?
Specific program-level earnings data for Barclay College isn't widely available, but given the overall low graduate earnings of $36,355, most programs likely offer limited financial returns. Students should carefully research career outcomes for their specific field of interest before enrolling.