At $22,353/yr net price, Central College graduates earn $54,317/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $20,317/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $22,353 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $89,412 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,317/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$20,317/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 69.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,984 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,745/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,426/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,418/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,308/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,764/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $53,045 | $27,000 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $46,790 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $44,542 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $38,721 | $27,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $36,848 | |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $32,925 | $27,000 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $32,119 | $27,000 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $31,314 | $24,500 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $25,194 | $27,000 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $21,508 |
The Risk Factor
69.2% of students at Central College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 31% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Central College delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. The school's $54,317 median earnings after 10 years barely justify its $22,353 annual net price when you factor in the time value of money and opportunity costs.
Accounting stands out as the clear winner financially, generating $53,045 annually with manageable debt loads. Business administration and mathematics also provide decent returns relative to borrowing costs. However, education majors face a challenging reality with $38,721 earnings against $27,000 in typical debt loads. Communication and media studies graduates earn just $36,848, making this program a poor financial bet at Central's price point.
The school's 69% graduation rate creates significant risk for your investment. Nearly one in three students leave without a degree, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. The 73% retention rate signals early struggles that could derail your plans.
Central works best for students committed to accounting or business who can handle the academic demands successfully. If you're interested in education or communications, consider whether you can afford the financial trade-offs or look at lower-cost alternatives.
Only 21% of students receive need-based aid, suggesting Central expects most families to pay the full net price. This makes the school particularly challenging for middle-income families who earn too much for aid but struggle with the annual costs. Merit scholarships may be available, but the limited aid percentage indicates they're not widespread enough to significantly alter the financial equation for most students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Central College worth the cost?
Central College graduates earn $54,317 annually after 10 years, which is modest for a $22,353 yearly net price. With 31% of students not graduating and median debt of $26,984, the financial return depends heavily on your major choice.
What are the best paying majors at Central College?
Accounting graduates from Central College earn the highest salaries at $53,045, followed by mathematics at $46,790. Education and communication majors earn significantly less, with teachers starting around $38,721.
How much debt do Central College students graduate with?
Central College graduates have a median debt of $26,984. Given that many majors lead to starting salaries in the $30,000-$40,000 range, this debt load could be challenging to manage for lower-paying career paths.
Does Central College have good graduation rates?
Central College has a 69% graduation rate, meaning nearly one in three students never finish their degree. This below-average completion rate adds financial risk since students may accumulate debt without earning a diploma.