At $20,591/yr net price, Emory & Henry University graduates earn $47,385/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $13,385/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,591 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $82,364 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $47,385/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$13,385/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 53.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,332 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,348/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $20,308/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,781/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,071/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,722/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $40,140 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $36,668 | $26,500 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $29,685 | |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $28,055 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $25,967 | $26,970 |
The Risk Factor
53.8% of students at Emory & Henry 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
Emory & Henry University delivers weak financial returns that put most graduates at risk. With median earnings of $47,385 ten years after graduation and typical debt loads of $26,332, your payback period will stretch longer than at most colleges.
The school's program-specific outcomes reveal stark disparities. Teacher education majors earn $40,140 annually, which barely covers loan payments and living expenses in today's economy. Business graduates fare slightly better at $36,668, but even this flagship program underperforms compared to business degrees at other Virginia schools. Psychology majors face particularly tough financial prospects, earning just $25,967 while carrying $26,970 in debt.
Several risk factors compound these weak earnings. The 53.8% graduation rate means nearly half of students leave without degrees but keep their debt. The 69.16% retention rate suggests many students struggle academically or financially after freshman year, creating additional financial risk for families.
This school makes financial sense only in narrow circumstances. If you plan to teach in rural Virginia where living costs are low, the education program might work. Students with substantial family financial support who value the small college experience over financial returns could also justify the investment.
Most students should look elsewhere. The combination of high costs, low earnings, and poor graduation rates creates a dangerous financial equation. State schools in Virginia offer better value, and regional private colleges like Roanoke or Bridgewater deliver stronger career outcomes. Unless you have compelling personal reasons to attend Emory & Henry, your money will work harder at other institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Emory & Henry University worth the cost?
With graduates earning $47,385 ten years after enrollment and median debt of $26,332, Emory & Henry offers modest returns. The low graduation rate of 54% means nearly half of students don't finish, making the investment risky.
What are the best paying majors at Emory & Henry University?
Teacher education graduates earn the highest at $40,140, followed by business majors at $36,668. Psychology and communication majors earn significantly less at around $26,000-28,000, which barely covers loan payments.
How much debt do Emory & Henry University graduates have?
The median debt is $26,332, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. However, with starting salaries around $47,000, graduates will likely spend 10-15% of their income on loan payments.
Does Emory & Henry University have good financial aid?
The net price of $20,591 suggests decent financial aid for a private college. Still, over half of students don't graduate, so aid doesn't solve the completion problem that affects ROI.