At $18,406/yr net price, Grace College and Theological Seminary graduates earn $45,411/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,411/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,406 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $73,624 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,411/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,411/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 69.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,409/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,952/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,080/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,537/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,101/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians. | Master | $76,460 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $55,770 | $19,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $43,240 | $18,097 |
| Bible/Biblical Studies. | Master | $38,289 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $36,938 | $15,250 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $35,060 | $19,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $33,637 | |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $33,281 | $55,130 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Bachelor | $32,925 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $30,650 | $23,250 |
The Risk Factor
69.9% of students at Grace College and Theological Seminary graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 30% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Grace College delivers mixed financial returns, with earnings heavily dependent on your major choice. At a net price of $18,406 annually, you'll pay significantly less than most private colleges, but median earnings of $45,411 ten years post-graduation create a modest payback scenario.
Quality Control and Safety Technologies stands out as the clear winner, generating $76,460 in median earnings. Accounting graduates earn a respectable $55,770 against $19,500 in debt, creating solid returns. Business Administration produces more modest outcomes at $43,240, while Bible/Biblical Studies and Education majors face challenging financial prospects with earnings in the mid-to-upper $30,000s.
The school's theological focus creates specific risks for career-oriented students. Nearly half the graduates enter ministry or education fields where salaries remain constrained regardless of degree quality. If you're pursuing pastoral ministry or teaching, Grace provides affordable preparation, but expect limited earning potential.
Grace works financially for students committed to ministry careers who value the low debt load over high earnings. The 69% graduation rate and 80% retention suggest solid academic support. However, career-focused students should gravitate toward the technical and business programs or consider schools with stronger earning track records.
The low percentage receiving aid suggests Grace offers competitive base pricing rather than relying heavily on merit scholarships. This transparent pricing benefits families who might not qualify for need-based aid elsewhere but still need affordable private education options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Grace College and Theological Seminary worth the cost?
Grace College's ROI depends heavily on your major. Quality Control and Safety Technologies graduates earn $76,460 annually, making the $19,500 median debt manageable, while Bible Studies majors average only $38,289 with the same debt load.
What is the return on investment for Grace College and Theological Seminary graduates?
Grace College graduates earn $45,411 on average ten years after graduation, which is below the national average for college graduates. The school's 70% graduation rate and relatively low debt burden of $19,500 help offset the modest earnings.
Which programs at Grace College and Theological Seminary have the best job prospects?
Quality Control and Safety Technologies offers the strongest earning potential at $76,460 annually, followed by Accounting at $55,770. Education and Biblical Studies programs show significantly lower returns despite similar costs.
How much debt do Grace College and Theological Seminary students typically graduate with?
Grace College students graduate with a median debt of $19,500, which is below the national average. However, with average earnings of $45,411, students in lower-paying majors like Biblical Studies may struggle with repayment.