At $23,613/yr net price, Belmont Abbey College graduates earn $47,937/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $13,937/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,613 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $94,452 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $47,937/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$13,937/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 46.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,985/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $21,339/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,173/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,325/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,375/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $46,790 | $26,125 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $43,519 | $25,982 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $35,416 | $27,000 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $31,670 | $28,500 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $29,685 | $21,500 |
| Education, General. | Bachelor | $26,739 | $27,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $26,585 | $26,000 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $25,194 | |
| History. | Bachelor | $24,730 |
The Risk Factor
46.4% of students at Belmont Abbey 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
Belmont Abbey College delivers weak financial returns that struggle to justify its $23,613 annual cost. With median post-graduation earnings of $47,937 and typical debt loads of $26,000, you face a challenging payback period that gets worse when you consider the school's troubling 46% graduation rate.
Business and accounting programs offer the strongest financial outcomes, with business administration graduates earning $46,790 annually. These majors represent your best bet for recovering your investment at Belmont Abbey. Education majors fare poorly with starting salaries around $35,416, while liberal arts graduates earn just $31,670 against higher debt loads of $28,500. Physical education shows the worst returns at under $30,000 annually.
The school's 69% retention rate signals academic or financial struggles that increase your risk of dropping out without a degree. Combined with below-average graduation rates, you face significant odds of leaving with debt but no diploma. Only 25% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited institutional support for affordability.
Belmont Abbey makes financial sense only if you plan to major in business or accounting and can afford the full cost without excessive borrowing. The school's small size and religious mission may provide personal value, but the financial case remains weak across most programs. Students seeking education or liberal arts degrees will find better ROI at public universities or community colleges with transfer pathways. If you need substantial financial aid or have concerns about completing your degree, look elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Belmont Abbey College worth the cost?
With median earnings of $47,937 ten years after graduation and a net price of $23,613 annually, Belmont Abbey College offers modest returns. The school's 46% graduation rate and $26,000 median debt create significant risk for students who don't complete their degree.
What are the best paying majors at Belmont Abbey College?
Business Administration graduates earn the highest median salary at $46,790, followed by Accounting at $43,519. Education and Liberal Arts majors earn significantly less, with some programs averaging under $32,000 annually.
How much debt do Belmont Abbey College graduates have?
The median debt for Belmont Abbey College graduates is $26,000. Given that many programs lead to starting salaries in the $30,000-$40,000 range, this debt load may strain graduates' budgets for several years.
Should I attend Belmont Abbey College if I'm not sure about my major?
With a 46% graduation rate and wide salary gaps between programs, Belmont Abbey College is risky for undecided students. The school's high acceptance rate means less selective admissions, but completing your degree here requires strong self-motivation.