At $19,712/yr net price, Converse University graduates earn $40,867/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,867/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,712 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $78,848 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,867/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,867/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 11.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 47.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $16,427/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,984/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,624/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,988/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,303/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $55,151 | |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $39,009 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $37,568 | $35,076 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $23,250 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $30,988 | |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $30,409 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $25,194 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
47.1% of students at Converse 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
Converse University delivers poor financial returns for most students, with median earnings of just $40,867 ten years after graduation and a concerning 47% graduation rate. Only 40% of students receive financial aid despite the high cost, leaving many to shoulder significant debt without completing their degrees.
Educational Administration stands out as the sole financially viable program, with graduates earning $55,151 annually. However, this requires additional graduate study beyond the bachelor's degree. The remaining top programs cluster in the low-to-mid $30,000s, creating negative returns when you factor in the $27,000 median debt load and four years of lost earnings.
The biggest risk at Converse is paying private school prices for public school outcomes. With more than half of students failing to graduate, you face substantial opportunity costs even if you avoid debt. The 68% retention rate signals academic or financial struggles that derail many students before completion.
Converse makes financial sense only if you plan to pursue educational leadership roles requiring advanced degrees, or if you receive substantial merit aid that reduces your net price below $15,000 annually. The school's small size may offer better scholarship opportunities for high-achieving applicants, but you should verify actual aid packages before committing.
Most students should consider in-state public alternatives or private colleges with stronger graduation rates and higher earning outcomes. If you choose Converse, focus on completing your degree quickly and minimize borrowing through work-study programs or community college credits that transfer in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Converse University worth the money?
With graduates earning $40,867 ten years after college and median debt of $27,000, Converse offers moderate returns. The 47% graduation rate is concerning and suggests many students don't complete their programs.
What are the best paying majors at Converse University?
Educational Administration leads at $55,151 annually, but most other programs pay significantly less. Special Education ($39,009) and general teaching programs ($37,568) align with typical education salaries in South Carolina.
How much debt do Converse University students graduate with?
The median debt is $27,000, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. However, with average earnings of $40,867, graduates will need about 8-10 years to pay off loans comfortably.
Does Converse University have good financial aid?
The net price averages $19,712 annually, bringing costs down from the full sticker price. This makes Converse more affordable than many private institutions, though outcomes vary significantly by program.