At $15,306/yr net price, Bethany College graduates earn $44,512/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,512/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,306 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $61,224 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,512/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,512/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 46.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,618/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,220/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,911/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,457/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,711/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $29,141 | $28,495 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $28,598 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $24,035 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $20,140 |
The Risk Factor
46.3% of students at Bethany 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
Bethany College delivers poor financial returns that make it difficult to justify the cost for most students. With median 10-year earnings of $44,512 against $27,000 in typical debt, you're looking at a debt-to-income ratio that signals financial stress after graduation.
The earnings picture gets worse when you examine specific programs. Communication and Media Studies graduates earn just $29,141 while carrying $28,495 in debt. Education majors face the harshest reality with starting salaries around $20,140. Even Psychology graduates at $24,035 struggle to service their loans comfortably. Social Work offers the best prospect at $28,598, but that's still below what you need for comfortable debt repayment.
Bethany's 46% graduation rate compounds the financial risk. More than half of students leave without a degree but often with debt. The 63% retention rate suggests many students recognize the poor value proposition early.
This school works financially only if you receive substantial merit aid that brings your actual costs well below the $15,306 net price, or if you're pursuing Social Work and have strong regional connections in West Virginia. The rural location limits job opportunities, making it harder to leverage your degree.
You should look elsewhere if you're considering Communication, Education, or Psychology programs where the earning potential simply doesn't support the debt load. Students planning graduate school might consider Bethany only with significant financial aid, as the low undergraduate earnings make it difficult to finance additional education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bethany College worth the money?
Bethany College graduates earn a median of $44,512 ten years after graduation, which is below average for college graduates nationally. With a net price of $15,306 annually and typical debt of $27,000, the return on investment is modest but not terrible for a small liberal arts college.
What are the best paying majors at Bethany College?
Communication and Media Studies graduates earn the highest starting salaries at $29,141, followed by Social Work at $28,598. Education majors earn significantly less at $20,140, which may make the debt burden harder to manage in that field.
How much debt do Bethany College students graduate with?
The median debt for Bethany College graduates is $27,000. This debt load is manageable for graduates in higher-paying fields like communications, but could be challenging for education or psychology majors who start around $20,000-24,000.
What is Bethany College's graduation rate?
Bethany College has a 46% graduation rate, meaning more than half of students who enroll do not complete their degree. This low completion rate represents a significant financial risk for students who may accumulate debt without earning a degree.