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 gives you a mixed-to-weak financial picture, and the reason is baked into what it teaches. This is a Bible college in Dallas, and the one bachelor's program with reported earnings, Biblical Studies, pays about $31,000 a year. That is well below the school's overall median earnings a decade out, which tells you graduates who land higher-paying work are mostly doing it outside their field of study.
The debt load is manageable on paper. Median debt sits around $25,000, and net price is low for a private four-year school. But you have to weigh that debt against a Biblical Studies salary that leaves little room after living costs in the Dallas area. If your goal is ministry, church, or nonprofit work, you likely already accept that trade-off and the numbers won't surprise you. If you expect a degree here to translate into broad private-sector earning power, look elsewhere.
The retention rate near 64% and a 57% graduation rate are the sharpest financial risks. More than a third of students don't return after year one, and a debt with no degree is the worst outcome this school can hand you. Borrow only if you're confident you'll finish.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families most. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay around $10,000 to $11,000 a year, less than half of what families above $110,000 pay. That upper tier, close to $22,000, is a real number to question given the earnings on offer.
Criswell fits you if you're called to ministry and going in with eyes open about pay. It's a poor financial bet if you're chasing salary and treating the degree as a general-purpose credential.
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.