At $18,866/yr net price, Carolina University graduates earn $32,864/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,866 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $75,464 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $32,864/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-1,136/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 29.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,287 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,910/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,707/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,906/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,323/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,403/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bible/Biblical Studies. | Bachelor | $29,685 | $21,029 |
| Religious Education. | Bachelor | $19,227 |
The Risk Factor
29.2% of students at Carolina University 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
Carolina University delivers weak financial returns that make it a risky investment for most students. Your median earnings of $32,864 ten years after graduation barely justify the $18,866 annual net price, especially when paired with a troubling 29% graduation rate.
The program-specific data reveals the core problem: even the highest-earning major, Bible/Biblical Studies at $29,685 annually, falls short of strong ROI territory. Religious Education graduates earn just $19,227 per year while carrying over $21,000 in debt. These earnings reflect the school's narrow focus on ministry-related fields, which typically offer limited salary growth in the Winston-Salem region.
Your biggest risk here is the graduation rate. With fewer than three in ten students completing their degrees, you face significant odds of leaving with debt but no credential. The 56% retention rate signals that many students recognize the poor value proposition early and transfer elsewhere.
Carolina University makes financial sense only if you have a clear calling to ministry work and can minimize borrowing. The school serves students committed to religious careers who value the specialized training over earning potential. If you need strong financial returns or aren't certain about a ministry path, you should look elsewhere.
With 45% of students receiving aid, merit opportunities exist but won't overcome the fundamental earnings limitations. Your best strategy involves graduating quickly and keeping total debt well below the $20,287 median. Community college transfer credits can reduce your time and cost at Carolina University while still accessing the specialized religious programming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carolina University worth the cost?
Carolina University's graduates earn $32,864 ten years after enrollment, which is below average for college graduates. With a low 29% graduation rate and median debt of $20,287, the return on investment is poor for most students.
What programs at Carolina University have the best job prospects?
Bible/Biblical Studies graduates earn $29,685 annually, while Religious Education graduates earn just $19,227. Both programs offer limited career flexibility and below-average earning potential compared to other fields.
How much student debt do Carolina University graduates typically have?
Carolina University graduates carry a median debt of $20,287. Given the low graduate earnings of $32,864, this debt burden represents a significant portion of annual income and may be difficult to repay.
Should I choose Carolina University over other colleges in North Carolina?
Carolina University's 29% graduation rate is concerning, meaning most students don't finish their degree. The low post-graduation earnings and limited program offerings make it a risky choice compared to other North Carolina institutions.