At $20,799/yr net price, Five Towns College graduates earn $35,887/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $1,887/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,799 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $83,196 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $35,887/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$1,887/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 44.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 49.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,245/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,452/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $23,393/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $31,943/yr |
| $110,001+ | $27,854/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $32,569 | |
| Music. | Bachelor | $28,019 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $25,194 | $25,000 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | Bachelor | $17,652 | $23,737 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. | Bachelor | $16,169 |
The Risk Factor
49.0% of students at Five Towns 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
Five Towns College delivers weak financial returns that make it difficult to justify the investment for most students. With median earnings of just $35,887 ten years after graduation and a net price of $20,799 annually, you'll struggle to recoup your investment quickly.
The earnings picture varies dramatically by major at Five Towns. Liberal Arts graduates earn $32,569 annually, making it the strongest financial choice among the school's programs. Music graduates face a particularly tough outlook, earning only $28,019 while carrying $27,000 in debt. Business graduates earn even less at $25,194 despite similar debt loads of $25,000.
The creative programs present serious financial risks. Film and video arts graduates earn just $17,652 annually while carrying $23,737 in debt, creating an unsustainable debt-to-income ratio. Theater arts graduates fare even worse at $16,169 in annual earnings, making loan repayment extremely challenging.
The 49% graduation rate compounds these financial risks. Nearly half of students who enroll never complete their degrees, leaving them with debt but no credential to show for it. The 74.7% retention rate suggests many students realize early that the school isn't meeting their needs.
Five Towns might work financially if you're pursuing liberal arts with strong family financial support or significant merit aid. However, most students should look elsewhere, particularly those interested in creative fields where the earnings simply don't support the debt load. The combination of low completion rates, modest earnings, and substantial debt creates a high-risk financial scenario that few students can handle successfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Five Towns College worth the cost?
Five Towns College graduates earn a median of $35,887 after 10 years, which is low compared to the annual cost of $20,799. With nearly half of students not graduating and median debt of $21,500, the return on investment is poor for most programs.
What are the best paying programs at Five Towns College?
Liberal Arts graduates from Five Towns College earn the highest at $32,569 annually, followed by Music at $28,019. However, these earnings are still relatively low given the cost of attendance and debt levels.
How much debt do Five Towns College students graduate with?
Five Towns College graduates carry a median debt of $21,500. Given that most programs lead to starting salaries under $30,000, this debt burden may be difficult to manage for many graduates.
What is the graduation rate at Five Towns College?
Only 49% of students graduate from Five Towns College within six years. This means over half of students leave without completing their degree, often while still carrying student loan debt.