At $21,568/yr net price, Berry College graduates earn $53,800/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $19,800/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,568 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $86,272 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $53,800/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$19,800/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 73.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $16,036/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,267/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,283/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,748/yr |
| $110,001+ | $28,207/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $70,176 | $16,142 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $61,020 | $24,334 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $51,482 | $25,884 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $50,439 | $26,546 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $46,673 | |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $43,798 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $40,747 | $23,988 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $39,369 | |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $26,000 |
| Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other. | Bachelor | $35,810 | $22,465 |
The Risk Factor
73.9% of students at Berry College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 26% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Berry College delivers solid financial returns with a net price of $21,568 that produces median earnings of $53,800 after ten years. Your investment pays off reasonably well, particularly if you target the right programs.
Education programs at Berry generate the strongest returns. Educational Administration graduates earn $70,176 with just $16,142 in debt, while Curriculum and Instruction majors make $61,020. Nursing also pays well at $51,482, though you'll carry slightly higher debt at $25,884. Accounting graduates earn $50,439, putting them in solid financial territory.
Mathematics majors face a tougher financial picture at $46,673, barely outpacing the overall median despite Berry's strong liberal arts reputation. Other liberal arts programs likely show similar or weaker returns.
The debt load stays manageable at $23,250 median, but only 24% of students receive need-based aid, signaling limited financial assistance for middle-income families. This creates risk if your family income sits above aid thresholds but below comfortable payment levels.
Berry works best financially if you plan to teach or work in healthcare in Georgia, where the school's regional reputation holds value. The 74% graduation rate means one in four students never finish, amplifying financial risk for those who struggle academically.
You should look elsewhere if you want high-paying business or STEM careers, as Berry's strengths lie in education and nursing rather than fields that typically generate six-figure salaries. The school serves students well who value the campus experience and plan careers in education, but those seeking maximum earning potential will find better options at larger research universities or specialized technical programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Berry College worth the cost?
Berry College graduates earn $53,800 after 10 years, which is reasonable given the $21,568 annual net price and $23,250 median debt. The return depends heavily on your major, with education administration graduates earning $70,176 while math majors average $46,673.
What are the best paying majors at Berry College?
Educational Administration leads Berry College earnings at $70,176, followed by Curriculum and Instruction at $61,020. Nursing graduates earn $51,482, while math majors see lower returns at $46,673.
How much debt do Berry College students graduate with?
Berry College graduates carry a median debt of $23,250, which is manageable compared to the typical starting salaries. With a 74% graduation rate, most students complete their degrees and enter the workforce.
Does Berry College provide good financial aid?
Berry College's net price of $21,568 per year suggests decent financial aid for many families. However, this varies significantly based on family income, so run the net price calculator before assuming affordability.