At $21,270/yr net price, Greenville University graduates earn $46,827/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $12,827/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,270 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $85,080 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $46,827/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$12,827/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 51.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,875 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,493/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,536/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,800/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,786/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,745/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $44,542 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $36,560 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $30,409 | $17,325 |
The Risk Factor
51.4% of students at Greenville 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
Greenville University delivers weak financial returns that make it a risky investment for most students. With median 10-year earnings of $46,827 against a net price of $21,270 annually, you're looking at a payback period that stretches well beyond what stronger schools offer.
The numbers get worse when you examine specific programs. Even the highest-earning major, Teacher Education, produces graduates earning just $44,542 after 10 years. This creates a problematic scenario where you'll pay private school prices for earnings that barely exceed what many community college graduates achieve. The 51% graduation rate means nearly half of students never finish their degrees, making the investment even riskier.
Teacher education represents your best financial bet at Greenville, though the returns remain modest. Other programs show significantly weaker outcomes, with some education tracks producing graduates earning just $30,409 after a decade. Given the rural Illinois job market, opportunities for career advancement remain limited unless you're willing to relocate.
Greenville works financially only if you receive substantial merit aid that brings your actual costs well below the $21,270 net price. The school awards aid to just 38% of students, so most pay close to full price. You should consider this school only if you're committed to teaching careers and receive significant financial aid, or if you have family wealth that makes the weak ROI acceptable.
Students focused on maximizing earnings should look elsewhere. The combination of high costs, low graduation rates, and limited earning potential in key programs makes Greenville a poor financial choice for most prospective students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Greenville University worth the cost for the education quality?
With a 51% graduation rate and average 10-year earnings of $46,827, Greenville University's outcomes are below average for its $21,270 annual net price. The low graduation rate indicates many students don't complete their degrees, which significantly hurts the return on investment.
What programs at Greenville University have the best ROI?
Teacher education programs offer the strongest returns, with some earning $44,542 annually after 10 years. However, other teacher education tracks start around $30,409, which barely justifies the total cost of attendance given the debt load.
How much debt do Greenville University graduates typically have?
The median debt is $23,875, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. With average earnings of $46,827 after 10 years, graduates should be able to handle loan payments if they actually graduate.
Should I choose Greenville University over cheaper state schools?
Probably not, unless you specifically want their teacher education programs and receive substantial financial aid. The 51% graduation rate and modest earning outcomes don't justify paying private college prices for most students.