At $21,376/yr net price, Brevard College graduates earn $43,545/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,545/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,376 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $85,504 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,545/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,545/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 39.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,493/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,803/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,716/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,695/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,961/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $25,000 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $25,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $32,391 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $28,236 | |
| Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies. | Bachelor | $21,894 |
The Risk Factor
39.0% of students at Brevard 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
Brevard College delivers weak financial returns that make it a risky investment for most students. With median 10-year earnings of $43,545 against a net price of $21,376 annually, you're looking at four years of costs that your future salary will struggle to justify.
The graduation rate tells the real story: only 39% of students finish their degree. This means you have better than even odds of leaving with debt but no credential. The 66% retention rate shows students recognize problems early and transfer elsewhere.
Even Brevard's best-paying program, Criminal Justice, produces graduates earning just $38,289 with typical debt loads of $25,000. Business majors fare worse at $32,391 with higher debt. Psychology and Parks/Recreation programs lead to particularly poor outcomes, with Parks majors earning barely above minimum wage at $21,894.
The school's location in rural North Carolina limits job opportunities, forcing graduates to relocate for better-paying positions. This adds moving costs and separates you from any local networking advantages the college might provide.
Brevard could work if you receive substantial merit aid that cuts your net costs significantly below the $21,376 average. The school does award aid to 38% of students, so negotiate aggressively if you're admitted. You might also consider Brevard if you're transferring after two years to a stronger regional university.
Skip Brevard if you need your degree to pay for itself quickly or if you're borrowing heavily to attend. The combination of low graduation rates, weak earning outcomes, and limited regional opportunities creates too much downside risk for the modest potential returns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brevard College worth the money?
Brevard College graduates earn $43,545 ten years after graduation, which is below average for a four-year degree. With a 39% graduation rate and $25,000 median debt, the return on investment is poor compared to other colleges.
What are the best paying majors at Brevard College?
Criminal Justice graduates from Brevard College earn the highest at $38,289 annually, followed by Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at $33,993. Parks and Recreation majors earn the lowest at $21,894, making loan repayment difficult.
How much debt do Brevard College students graduate with?
Brevard College graduates have a median debt of $25,000. Given that most programs lead to starting salaries under $35,000, this debt level creates financial strain for many graduates.
Does Brevard College have a good graduation rate?
Only 39% of students graduate from Brevard College within six years. This low completion rate means most students leave with debt but no degree, making it a risky financial choice.