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's financial return is weak. Ten years after enrolling, your median earnings land at $38,412 , barely above what many workers earn without a bachelor's degree. Pair that with a median debt of $29,491 and a graduation rate under 30%, and the math does not work in your favor for most paths through this school.
The graduation rate is the biggest risk here. Fewer than three in ten students finish, and only about 57% come back for a second year. If you borrow to enroll and leave without a degree, you carry the debt with none of the earnings a diploma might bring. That risk falls hardest on you if you're unsure about finishing.
Among named programs, teacher education and graphic communications are the top earners, and both clear the mid-$30,000s. Criminal justice is the trap: it pays the same as social sciences in the high $20,000s, but graduates leave with $37,000 in debt , the heaviest load of any program listed and roughly $13,000 more than social sciences for identical pay. Business administration sits at the bottom for earnings near $28,600 against nearly $28,000 in debt.
The net price tiers are backwards for middle-income families. If your family earns $48,000 to $75,000, you'll pay more than $18,000 a year , over $5,000 more than a family earning $30,000 to $48,000. Grant aid drops off sharply once you cross into that middle bracket, so you get squeezed harder than lower-income families do.
Chowan works best if you're headed into teaching or graphic communications and confident you'll graduate. If you're drawn to criminal justice or business, or you're uncertain about finishing, the debt-to-earnings picture should push you to look at cheaper in-state options first.
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.