At $21,873/yr net price, Clarks Summit University graduates earn $38,818/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,818/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,873 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $87,492 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,818/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,818/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 18.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 54.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,034 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,711/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $20,475/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,530/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,430/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,284/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Master | $58,673 | |
| Bible/Biblical Studies. | Master | $46,321 | |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Bachelor | $42,682 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $26,353 | |
| Bible/Biblical Studies. | Bachelor | $25,709 | $19,000 |
The Risk Factor
54.2% of students at Clarks Summit University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Clarks Summit University gives you a weak financial return. Ten years out, the median graduate earns $38,818, which barely clears what many workers make without any degree. You pay close to $22,000 a year for that outcome, so the gap between cost and payoff is the central problem here.
The one program that pays is Theological and Ministerial Studies, where graduates reach the low $40,000s. Everything else listed lands far below that. Teacher Education and Bible/Biblical Studies graduates both earn in the mid-$20,000s, and the Bible degree carries $19,000 in debt against those earnings. A theology or ministry track is the only path here that produces earnings above the school's own median.
The specific risk is retention. Only 63% of your class returns for a second year, and just 54% finish at all. If you borrow, start, and leave without the degree, you carry debt with no credential to show for it. The median debt of about $18,000 is manageable only if you graduate and land work that pays more than these programs typically do.
The net price tiers barely move with income. A family earning under $30,000 still pays about $17,700, and the discount for low-income families is small compared to schools with deeper aid. If your family earns over $110,000, you pay more than $26,000 a year.
This school fits you if you are called to ministry and measure the degree by that vocation instead of salary. If you need a degree to pay off financially, the earnings here do not support the cost, and you should look at schools with stronger post-graduation pay and higher completion rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Clarks Summit University worth the cost?
Clarks Summit University's ROI depends heavily on your major. Graduates earn a median $38,818 after 10 years, which is below average for college graduates, but the $18,034 median debt load is manageable.
What programs at Clarks Summit University have the best ROI?
Theological and Ministerial Studies leads with $58,673 in median earnings, while Bible/Biblical Studies graduates earn $25,709-$46,321 depending on the specific program. Education majors see lower returns at $26,353.
How much debt do Clarks Summit University students typically graduate with?
The median debt at Clarks Summit University is $18,034, which is relatively low compared to national averages. However, with graduate earnings of $38,818, debt payments could still strain budgets.
Does Clarks Summit University have good graduation rates?
Clarks Summit University's 54.2% graduation rate is concerning, meaning nearly half of students don't finish their degrees. This increases the risk of taking on debt without the earning benefits of a completed degree.