At $26,135/yr net price, Fisk University graduates earn $45,454/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,454/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $26,135 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $104,540 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,454/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,454/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 9.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 43.5% |
| 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 | $21,410/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $24,865/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $27,075/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $35,437/yr |
| $110,001+ | $30,281/yr |
The Risk Factor
43.5% of students at Fisk 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
Fisk University gives you a mixed financial return. You pay about $26,135 a year net and come out earning around $45,454 a decade later. That salary trails the four years of net cost you put in, and with a 43.5% graduation rate, fewer than half of you cross the finish line to see any of that payoff. The median debt of $27,000 is close to one full year of net price, which keeps the loan burden manageable if you land a decent job.
The retention rate of 72.8% is the number to watch. Roughly one in four of you leaves after the first year, and leaving with debt but no degree is the worst financial outcome here. Combined with the graduation rate, the risk is that you pay the freshman-year price and never reach the earnings that justify it.
The net price tiers hold a surprise. If your family earns under $30k, you pay about $21,410. But if you earn $75-110k, you pay $35,437, which is more than families earning over $110k pay at $30,281. That middle-income bracket carries the heaviest load here, so if your family sits in that $75-110k range, run the aid numbers carefully before committing.
Fisk fits you best if you qualify for the strongest need-based aid at the lower income tiers and you are confident you will graduate. If you land in the $75-110k income band, or you are unsure about finishing, the cost-to-earnings math is hard to justify. No bachelor-level program salary data is listed, so weigh your specific major against the roughly $45k median before you borrow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fisk University worth the cost compared to other colleges?
Fisk University graduates earn a median of $45,454 ten years after enrollment, which is below the national average for college graduates. With a net price of $26,135 per year and typical debt of $27,000, the return on investment is relatively weak compared to many other four-year institutions.
What is the graduation rate at Fisk University and why does it matter?
Fisk University has a 43.5% graduation rate, meaning more than half of students who start don't finish their degree. This significantly increases the risk of taking on debt without getting the credential needed to boost earnings.
How much debt do Fisk University students typically graduate with?
The median debt for Fisk University graduates is $27,000. Given that graduates earn around $45,454 after ten years, this debt level represents a manageable but not ideal debt-to-income ratio for most career paths.
Which programs at Fisk University offer the best return on investment?
Fisk University is historically known for strong programs in music, business, and healthcare-related fields. Students considering Fisk should research specific program outcomes and career placement rates, as earnings can vary significantly by major.