At $18,154/yr net price, Cottey College graduates earn $35,422/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $1,422/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,154 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $72,616 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $35,422/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$1,422/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 51.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 61.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,043 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,399/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,718/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,588/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,591/yr |
| $110,001+ | $20,118/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $13,702 | $12,000 |
The Risk Factor
61.4% of students at Cottey College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 39% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Cottey College delivers weak financial returns that make it difficult to justify the investment for most students. With median earnings of just $35,422 ten years after graduation, you'll earn roughly $17,000 annually for every year you attend this Missouri school.
The college's signature Liberal Arts and Sciences program produces particularly poor outcomes, with graduates earning only $13,702 annually while carrying $12,000 in debt. This creates an unsustainable debt-to-income ratio that will strain your finances for years. The 61% graduation rate means four in ten students leave without completing their degrees, making the financial risk even higher.
Your chances of academic success at Cottey are concerning. The retention rate of 61% indicates many students transfer or drop out after their first year, suggesting either poor academic preparation or dissatisfaction with the experience. Combined with the low earnings potential, this creates a double financial penalty.
Cottey might work financially if you receive substantial merit aid that reduces your net price well below the current $18,154 annual cost. However, with only 45% of students receiving aid, most pay close to full price for degrees that generate minimal earning power.
Look elsewhere if you need strong career prospects or plan to take on significant debt. The school's rural Missouri location limits internship and job opportunities, while its small size restricts program variety and career services resources. Consider Cottey only if you can attend debt-free and view college primarily as personal enrichment rather than career preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cottey College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Cottey College's graduates earn $35,422 ten years after enrollment, which is below the national average for college graduates. With a net price of $18,154 annually, the return on investment is modest compared to many four-year institutions.
What is the job market like for Cottey College graduates?
The school's focus on liberal arts and general studies limits high-paying career paths immediately after graduation. Most graduates enter fields like education, social services, or nonprofit work where starting salaries tend to be lower.
How much student debt do Cottey College students typically graduate with?
The median debt for Cottey graduates is $19,043, which is manageable given the school's relatively low cost. However, the modest post-graduation earnings mean debt payments could still strain budgets for some graduates.
Which programs at Cottey College offer the best financial returns?
Cottey's programs are primarily in liberal arts and humanities, which typically lead to lower-paying careers initially. The school doesn't offer high-ROI fields like engineering, computer science, or business that might justify higher education costs through increased earning potential.