At $23,665/yr net price, Barton College graduates earn $47,913/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $13,913/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,665 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $94,660 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $47,913/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$13,913/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 51.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,877 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $22,391/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,835/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,931/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,323/yr |
| $110,001+ | $30,183/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $59,781 | $24,290 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $38,559 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $37,208 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $36,560 | $26,966 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $33,281 | |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $32,382 | $26,000 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $32,124 | $27,000 |
| Gerontology. | Bachelor | $30,228 | |
| Public Health. | Bachelor | $29,685 | |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $27,476 | $26,980 |
The Risk Factor
51.5% of students at Barton 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
Barton College delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. The nursing program stands out as the clear winner, with graduates earning nearly $60,000 annually while carrying below-average debt loads of $24,290. This makes nursing one of the strongest ROI programs at any small private college in North Carolina.
Other programs present weaker financial outcomes. Education majors earn $38,559, which is low considering the debt burden and time investment. Business and accounting graduates face similar challenges, with business majors carrying over $26,000 in debt for starting salaries under $37,000. Criminal justice shows the poorest return, with graduates earning just $33,281 annually.
The 51% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. Nearly half of students leave without completing their degree, yet still carry debt from their time enrolled. The 65% retention rate signals that many students recognize early that Barton may not be the right fit.
You should consider Barton if you plan to study nursing and want a smaller program environment. The nursing program's strong earnings justify the private college premium. For other majors, you can likely find better value at North Carolina public universities or community colleges with transfer pathways.
With only 37% of students receiving aid, most families pay close to the full net price of $23,665 annually. Merit scholarships appear limited, so your family's ability to pay out of pocket becomes important. The regional job market in eastern North Carolina offers fewer high-paying opportunities than Charlotte or Raleigh, which may limit your post-graduation earning potential in most fields outside healthcare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Barton College worth the cost?
Barton College's ROI is mixed - nursing graduates earn $59,781 annually, making the $25,877 median debt manageable, but other programs like criminal justice ($33,281) and business ($36,560) offer weaker returns. The 51% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish their degrees.
What are the best paying majors at Barton College?
Nursing programs at Barton College offer the strongest ROI with graduates earning $59,781 annually. Education majors earn $38,559, while business and criminal justice graduates make $36,560 and $33,281 respectively.
How much debt do Barton College graduates have?
Barton College graduates have a median debt of $25,877. This debt load is reasonable for nursing graduates who earn nearly $60,000, but creates financial strain for graduates in lower-paying fields like criminal justice.
What is Barton College's graduation rate and job prospects?
Only 51% of Barton College students graduate, meaning completion risk is high. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn an average of $47,913, which is modest given the school's $23,665 annual net price.