At $36,576/yr net price, Beacon College graduates earn $29,420/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $36,576 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $146,304 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $29,420/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-4,580/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 57.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $28,819/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $33,856/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $23,282/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $33,590/yr |
| $110,001+ | $45,193/yr |
The Risk Factor
57.3% of students at Beacon 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
Beacon College presents a challenging financial picture with graduates earning a median of $29,420 ten years after enrollment against a net price of $36,576 annually. The low earnings relative to cost create a difficult payback scenario for most students.
The college specializes in serving students with learning disabilities, which limits direct program-by-program comparisons but explains the specialized support structure that drives up costs. Your investment here pays for small class sizes and individualized attention rather than traditional academic prestige or career placement networks.
The 57% graduation rate means significant dropout risk, and those who don't finish face the worst financial outcome of all. The relatively low median debt of $25,000 suggests many students pay cash or receive family support, but this masks the true cost burden for those who do borrow.
You should consider Beacon College if you have documented learning differences requiring specialized support and your family can afford the full cost without heavy borrowing. The financial return makes sense only if the alternative is not completing college at all. Students seeking traditional career advancement or those planning to take on substantial debt should explore state universities with stronger disability services.
The low percentage receiving aid indicates limited need-based financial assistance. Merit scholarships exist but remain modest given the college's specialized mission rather than academic selectivity. Your best cost strategy involves maximizing federal aid eligibility and exploring vocational rehabilitation funding if you qualify for disability services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Beacon College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Beacon College graduates earn a median of $29,420 ten years after graduation, which is below average for the $36,576 annual cost. The return on investment is poor compared to most four-year colleges.
What is the job market like for Beacon College graduates?
Beacon College graduates face challenging job prospects with median earnings of $29,420, which is significantly lower than the national average for college graduates. Only 57% of students complete their degree within six years.
How much student debt do Beacon College students typically have?
Beacon College graduates have a median debt of $25,000, which represents nearly one full year of typical post-graduation earnings. This debt-to-income ratio creates financial strain for most graduates.
Does Beacon College offer good financial aid to offset tuition costs?
Despite financial aid, students still pay an average net price of $36,576 per year at Beacon College. The high net cost combined with low graduate earnings creates a difficult financial situation for most students.