At $16,189/yr net price, Chowan University graduates earn $38,412/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,412/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $16,189 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $64,756 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,412/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,412/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 14.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 28.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $29,491 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,377/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,289/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,449/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,407/yr |
| $110,001+ | $22,454/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $37,363 | |
| Graphic Communications. | Bachelor | $35,060 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $28,598 | $27,712 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $28,366 | $37,000 |
| Social Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $28,366 | $24,387 |
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General. | Bachelor | $26,121 | |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $24,615 | $27,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $23,340 | $29,000 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Bachelor | $21,850 |
The Risk Factor
28.5% of students at Chowan 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
Chowan University presents a weak financial return for most students, with median earnings of $38,412 barely justifying the $29,491 in typical debt. The 28.5% graduation rate means most students leave without a degree but often with debt.
Teacher education offers the strongest earnings potential at $37,363, though this still provides modest returns in North Carolina's teaching market. Graphic communications graduates earn $35,060, which represents decent value in the region's growing digital marketing sector. Business administration and social sciences majors face concerning outcomes, with earnings below $29,000 making loan repayment difficult. Criminal justice graduates carry $37,000 in debt for $28,366 salaries, creating the worst debt-to-income ratio among major programs.
The biggest financial risk is the low graduation rate combined with poor retention. More than four in ten students leave after freshman year, and seven in ten never graduate. This creates substantial financial loss for families who pay but receive no credential.
Chowan works financially only for students who receive substantial aid and graduate in teacher education or graphic communications. If you need significant loans for other majors, community college transfer programs or regional public universities offer better value. The $16,189 net price appears reasonable, but factor in the high likelihood of non-completion.
Merit scholarships can improve the equation for strong students, but your aid package must bring costs well below the average to justify the graduation risk. Local students considering teaching careers may find value, but most applicants should pursue programs with higher completion rates and stronger regional job placement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chowan University worth the cost for the education quality?
Chowan University's 28.5% graduation rate and $38,412 median earnings 10 years after graduation suggest poor value for most students. The low graduation rate indicates many students don't finish their programs, making the investment risky.
What are the best paying majors at Chowan University?
Teacher education programs at Chowan University lead to the highest earnings at $37,363 annually, followed by graphic communications at $35,060. Business, social sciences, and criminal justice programs all result in median earnings below $29,000.
How much debt do Chowan University graduates typically have?
Chowan University graduates carry a median debt of $29,491, which is concerning given the low average earnings of $38,412. This creates a challenging debt-to-income ratio that may strain graduates financially.
Should I choose Chowan University over other colleges in North Carolina?
Chowan University's combination of low graduation rates, modest earnings outcomes, and significant debt burden makes it difficult to recommend over other options. Students should carefully consider community college or state university alternatives that offer better ROI.