At $22,085/yr net price, Ferrum College graduates earn $44,296/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,296/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $22,085 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $88,340 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,296/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,296/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 8.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 28.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,607/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,625/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,145/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,397/yr |
| $110,001+ | $28,515/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $30,771 | $27,000 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Bachelor | $29,322 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $25,194 | |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $24,035 |
The Risk Factor
28.9% of students at Ferrum 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
Ferrum College is a financial gamble that doesn't pay off for most people who enroll. You pay about $22,000 a year net, come out with $27,000 in debt, and land at median earnings of $44,296 ten years later. The bigger problem is that most students never get to that median. Only 28.9% graduate, and just 58.6% return after their first year. If you drop out, you keep the debt and lose the degree that was supposed to justify it.
The program-level numbers make the case worse. Every top major listed here earns below the school-wide median in early career. Criminal Justice tops the list at $33,993, and it still carries the full $27,000 debt load. Teacher Education, Natural Resources, Psychology, and Social Work all pay less, with Social Work at the bottom near $24,000. These are low-paying fields at Ferrum specifically, and the debt doesn't shrink to match. Borrowing $27,000 for a job that starts in the mid-$20,000s is a hard math problem.
The net price tiers are the one bright spot, but only relatively. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay about $18,600 a year, roughly $10,000 less than families over $110,000. That gap matters, but $18,600 a year against these earnings and this graduation rate is still steep.
Ferrum makes financial sense for you only if you have a specific reason to be here, a clear plan to finish, and a career path that a criminal justice or teaching degree unlocks in your region. If you're rate-shopping on price or earnings, look elsewhere. The completion odds alone should give you pause before you sign for the loans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ferrum College worth the cost?
Ferrum College's low graduation rate of 29% and median earnings of $44,296 ten years after graduation make it a risky investment for most students. With $27,000 in typical debt, graduates earn less than many community college programs while paying private college prices.
What are the highest paying majors at Ferrum College?
Criminal Justice graduates from Ferrum College earn the most at $33,993 annually, followed by Education majors at $30,771. Even the top-paying programs produce below-average salaries compared to national standards for college graduates.
How much debt do Ferrum College students typically graduate with?
Ferrum College graduates carry a median debt of $27,000, which represents a significant burden given the school's low graduation rate and modest earnings outcomes. Many students may struggle to repay loans on starting salaries under $35,000.
Does Ferrum College have good job placement rates?
With only 29% of students graduating and median earnings of $44,296 after ten years, Ferrum College shows poor employment outcomes relative to its cost. Students should carefully consider whether the investment justifies the limited earning potential.