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's numbers point to a weak financial return. Ten years after enrolling, median earnings sit below what many South Carolina graduates earn, and you would carry $27,000 in median debt against that income. Paying roughly $20,000 a year for a degree that leads to earnings in the low $40,000s means the math does not work in your favor unless you have a specific plan.
The listed bachelor's programs make the problem clear. Business Administration graduates earn the most of the three tracked here, and they do it with lower debt ($23,250) than Psychology graduates, who take on the full $27,000 median and earn far less. Psychology at Converse is the weakest bet on paper: you borrow the most and earn the least. Design and Applied Arts lands in the middle. If you enroll here, Business is the path most likely to cover its cost.
The bigger risk is finishing at all. Only 47% of students graduate, and about a third do not return after their first year. If you borrow for a degree you never complete, you get the debt without the earnings, and that is the most expensive outcome at a school with these retention numbers.
The net price barely moves across income brackets. A family under $30,000 pays about $16,400. a family over $110,000 pays about $23,300. That flatness means lower-income families still owe a real bill here, and Converse does not discount steeply for need in the way the price tiers suggest wealthier families are subsidizing you.
Converse fits you if you're targeting Business, confident you'll graduate, and can limit borrowing. If you're drawn to Psychology or unsure about finishing, a cheaper in-state option gives you better odds of coming out ahead.
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.