At $22,858/yr net price, Bennett College graduates earn $36,654/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,654/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $22,858 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $91,432 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,654/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,654/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 34.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 20.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $28,130 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $21,663/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $26,755/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,156/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,400/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $36,488 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $31,133 | |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $30,771 | |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $25,967 | |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $21,964 |
The Risk Factor
20.6% of students at Bennett 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
Bennett College presents serious financial challenges that prospective students cannot ignore. With median post-graduation earnings of $36,654 and a graduation rate of just 21%, your odds of completing your degree and earning enough to justify the cost are poor.
Even the highest-earning program at Bennett, Social Work at $36,488 annually, barely covers the financial commitment you'll make. Business Administration graduates earn $31,133, while Biology majors face particularly harsh economics at $25,967 despite the program's pre-professional focus. The Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies program produces the weakest returns at $21,964, making loan repayment extremely difficult.
The 21% graduation rate means four out of five students leave without a degree but often with debt. Combined with the $28,130 median debt load, this creates substantial financial risk for most students. Your monthly loan payments will likely consume a significant portion of your post-graduation income across all programs.
Bennett works financially only for students with substantial family support or scholarships that dramatically reduce out-of-pocket costs. If you need loans to attend, the numbers suggest you should consider alternatives with stronger graduation rates and earning outcomes. The 90% retention rate shows students initially commit to staying, but something prevents most from finishing.
Students passionate about Bennett's mission should explore maximum financial aid opportunities and have backup transfer plans if academic or financial challenges arise. The school's 75% aid rate indicates most students receive some assistance, but even with aid, the risk-reward calculation remains unfavorable for typical borrowers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bennett College worth the cost for the career outcomes?
Bennett College graduates earn a median of $36,654 ten years after graduation, which is below the national average for college graduates. With a net price of $22,858 per year and typical debt of $28,130, the financial return is modest compared to the investment.
What are the best paying programs at Bennett College?
Social Work offers the highest earnings at Bennett College with graduates making $36,488 annually. Business Administration follows at $31,133, while Biology graduates earn significantly less at $25,967 despite the program's pre-professional focus.
How risky is student debt at Bennett College?
With a 20.6% graduation rate, many Bennett College students take on debt without completing their degree. The median debt of $28,130 is manageable for graduates, but the low completion rate creates significant financial risk for students who don't finish.
Does Bennett College provide good financial aid value?
Bennett College's net price of $22,858 represents substantial aid from its higher sticker price. However, the combination of low graduation rates and modest post-graduation earnings means students should carefully consider whether the investment will pay off.