At $24,294/yr net price, Ecclesia College graduates earn $40,650/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,650/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $24,294 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $97,176 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,650/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,650/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 14.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 36.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,019 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $21,791/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $22,559/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,160/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $27,570/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,719/yr |
The Risk Factor
36.5% of students at Ecclesia College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Ecclesia College presents a weak financial return with median earnings of $40,650 ten years after enrollment against a net price of $24,294 annually. The numbers get worse when you factor in the 36.5% graduation rate, meaning nearly two-thirds of students leave without a degree.
Your biggest financial risk here is not completing your program. With a retention rate below 41%, most students transfer or drop out after their first year. If you become part of that majority, you'll carry debt without the credential to justify it.
The relatively low median debt of $13,019 suggests many students leave early or receive substantial aid. Over half of students get financial assistance, which helps offset the sticker price. However, this college serves a specific mission as a Christian institution, and you're paying a premium for that environment rather than strong career outcomes.
Ecclesia College makes financial sense if you're committed to this particular religious educational experience and have strong family or community support to help you persist through graduation. The small size might provide personal attention that helps you succeed where the statistics suggest many don't.
You should look elsewhere if maximizing earning potential is your primary goal. The combination of modest post-graduation earnings and low completion rates creates a poor risk-reward profile compared to state schools or community colleges in Arkansas that cost less and graduate more students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ecclesia College worth the cost compared to other Arkansas schools?
Ecclesia College graduates earn $40,650 ten years after enrollment, which is below the national average for college graduates. With a net price of $24,294 annually, the return on investment is modest compared to state universities that often cost less and produce higher earnings.
What is the job market like for Ecclesia College graduates?
The college has a 36.5% graduation rate, meaning most students don't complete their degrees. Those who do graduate typically enter fields like ministry, education, and business, but median earnings of $40,650 suggest limited high-paying career outcomes.
How much student debt do Ecclesia College students typically have?
The median debt for Ecclesia College graduates is $13,019, which is relatively low compared to national averages. However, with post-graduation earnings of $40,650, even this modest debt load represents a significant portion of early career income.
Are there better financial aid options than Ecclesia College in Arkansas?
Arkansas has several public universities with lower net costs and better graduation rates than Ecclesia College. Students should compare financial aid packages carefully, as state schools often provide better value for similar programs.