At $12,929/yr net price, Criswell College graduates earn $43,185/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,185/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,929 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $51,716 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,185/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,185/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 57.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,346 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,032/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,109/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,131/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,955/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bible/Biblical Studies. | Bachelor | $30,984 |
The Risk Factor
57.1% of students at Criswell College 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
Criswell College presents a challenging financial picture with median earnings of $43,185 ten years after graduation, significantly below the national average for college graduates. The low net price of $12,929 annually helps offset some concerns, but the modest debt load of $25,346 still takes considerable time to pay back given the earning potential.
The school's primary program in Bible/Biblical Studies shows particularly weak financial returns at $30,984 annually. This puts graduates well below living wages in the Dallas metro area, where housing costs have risen substantially. Your career options remain largely limited to ministry positions, which typically offer lower compensation regardless of education level.
The 57% graduation rate signals that many students struggle to complete their programs, creating a risk of debt without degree completion. The 64% retention rate suggests academic or financial challenges that force students to leave after their first year.
Only 34% of students receive financial aid, which is unusually low and may indicate either restrictive aid policies or a student body that doesn't qualify for need-based assistance. This creates affordability barriers for many prospective students.
Criswell College works financially for students with clear ministry calling who prioritize mission over income and have family support or other income sources. The low sticker price makes it accessible compared to other private religious institutions. However, if you need your degree to generate sufficient income for independent living in Dallas, you should consider other options. The combination of low earnings and moderate debt creates long-term financial stress that undermines the degree's value proposition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Criswell College worth the cost for career prospects?
Criswell College graduates earn a median of $43,185 ten years after graduation, which is below average for college graduates. The school focuses primarily on biblical studies, which typically leads to ministry roles with modest salaries.
What is the return on investment for Criswell College graduates?
With a net price of $12,929 per year and median earnings of $43,185, Criswell College offers a reasonable cost-to-earnings ratio compared to more expensive schools. However, the earning potential remains limited due to the religious focus of most programs.
How much debt do Criswell College students typically graduate with?
The median debt for Criswell College graduates is $25,346, which is manageable given the school's lower tuition costs. This debt level is reasonable for graduates entering ministry or religious education fields.
Does Criswell College have good graduation rates and job placement?
Criswell College has a 57% graduation rate, which is below the national average for four-year colleges. The school accepts all applicants and serves students primarily interested in biblical studies and ministry careers.