At $13,996/yr net price, Grace Christian University graduates earn $41,663/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,663/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,996 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $55,984 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,663/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,663/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 42.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,375 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,048/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,618/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,218/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,203/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,185/yr |
The Risk Factor
42.9% of students at Grace Christian 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
Grace Christian University sits in a tight spot financially. Median earnings ten years out land near $42,000, only modestly above what a high school graduate in the Grand Rapids area earns, while you carry a median debt load north of $24,000. That gap between what you pay and what you eventually earn is thin, and it puts real pressure on whether this degree pays for itself.
The bigger risk here isn't the sticker price, which stays under $14,000 a year even before aid. It's completion. Fewer than 43 percent of you graduate, and only 59 percent make it back for a second year. If you borrow, start, and leave without the credential, you keep the debt and lose the earnings bump that justified it. That is the single most expensive outcome at this school, and it happens to a lot of people here.
No bachelor-level program earnings are broken out in the data, so there's no way to tell you which majors here actually pay and which leave you underwater. Go in asking the school for placement and salary numbers by program before you commit, because the school-wide median won't tell you how a specific degree performs.
The net price tiers work in your favor if your family earns under $48,000, where you pay closer to $10,600 a year. Above $75,000, your price jumps past $18,000, and the earnings payoff doesn't grow to match it.
This school fits you if you're set on its Christian mission, you're confident you'll finish, and you come from a lower-income household getting the better net price. If you're borrowing heavily, on the fence about staying, or choosing mainly on future salary, the numbers here don't support that bet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Grace Christian University worth the cost compared to other schools?
Grace Christian University's graduates earn $41,663 ten years after enrollment, which is below the national average for college graduates. With a net price of $13,996 per year, the return on investment is modest but not strong compared to most four-year institutions.
What is the graduation rate at Grace Christian University and why does it matter?
Grace Christian University has a 43% graduation rate, meaning more than half of students don't finish their degree. This low completion rate increases the risk of taking on debt without getting the credential needed for higher earnings.
How much debt do Grace Christian University graduates typically have?
The median debt for Grace Christian University graduates is $24,375. Given that graduates earn around $41,663 annually, this debt level represents a manageable but significant portion of early career income.
Should I choose Grace Christian University if I'm concerned about getting a job after graduation?
Grace Christian University accepts nearly all applicants (99.66% acceptance rate) and has a low graduation rate, which may indicate less academic rigor. The modest post-graduation earnings suggest the school may not provide strong career preparation compared to alternatives.