At $21,814/yr net price, Blackburn College graduates earn $46,802/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $12,802/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,814 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $87,256 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $46,802/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$12,802/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 52.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,242 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,146/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,130/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,872/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,289/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,005/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $40,456 | |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $23,250 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $33,138 | $21,500 |
The Risk Factor
52.4% of students at Blackburn 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
Blackburn College delivers weak financial returns that put graduates at a significant disadvantage in the job market. With median earnings of $46,802 ten years after graduation, your investment barely pays off compared to the annual net cost of $21,814.
The earnings data reveals troubling patterns across programs. Liberal Arts graduates earn $40,456 annually, while Biology majors make just $33,993 despite carrying $23,250 in debt. Business Administration performs similarly poorly at $33,138 yearly. These earnings fall well below national averages for college graduates and create extended payback periods that strain your financial future.
Blackburn's 52% graduation rate compounds the financial risk. Nearly half of students leave without a degree, meaning you face substantial odds of accumulating debt without the credential needed to boost earnings. The 58% retention rate signals that many students recognize early that the college cannot deliver value.
This school makes financial sense only if you qualify for substantial aid that dramatically reduces your net cost. The work program that helps students earn money while attending provides some offset, but not enough to overcome the weak earnings outcomes.
You should look elsewhere if career earnings matter to your decision. The combination of high costs, low graduation rates, and below-average salaries creates a poor return on investment. Students seeking strong financial outcomes will find better options at regional public universities or community colleges that offer similar programs with lower debt loads and better employment prospects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blackburn College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Blackburn College graduates earn a median of $46,802 ten years after enrollment, which is below the national average for college graduates. With a net price of $21,814 per year and median debt of $24,242, the return on investment is modest but manageable for most students.
What are the best paying majors at Blackburn College?
Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates from Blackburn College earn the highest median salary at $40,456, followed by Biology at $33,993 and Business Administration at $33,138. All three programs produce earnings below the national average for college graduates.
How much debt do Blackburn College students typically graduate with?
The median debt for Blackburn College graduates is $24,242, which is reasonable compared to national averages. However, with a 52% graduation rate, nearly half of students leave without a degree while potentially carrying debt.
Does Blackburn College provide good financial aid to make it affordable?
Blackburn College's net price of $21,814 per year suggests decent financial aid, bringing costs below many private colleges. The school's work program helps students reduce expenses, but the relatively low post-graduation earnings may still make debt repayment challenging.