At $21,200/yr net price, Guilford College graduates earn $47,590/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $13,590/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,200 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $84,800 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $47,590/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$13,590/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 47.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $20,785/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $24,870/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $25,205/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $30,620/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,245/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $49,214 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $46,790 | $23,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $45,305 | $26,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $37,748 | |
| Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other. | Bachelor | $35,416 | |
| History. | Bachelor | $33,993 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $30,926 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $28,870 | $27,000 |
| Health/Medical Preparatory Programs. | Bachelor | $28,598 | $27,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $28,236 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
47.7% of students at Guilford 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
Guilford College delivers weak financial returns that make it a risky investment for most students. With median earnings of just $47,590 ten years after graduation and a concerning 47.7% graduation rate, nearly half of students never complete their degrees.
Computer science offers the only strong earning potential at $49,214 annually, though this barely exceeds the overall median. Accounting and business management provide modest returns around $45,000-$47,000. Education majors face particularly poor prospects at $37,748, making it difficult to justify the debt load for teaching careers that typically require master's degrees for advancement.
The 65.8% retention rate signals academic or financial struggles that force many students to transfer or drop out. Combined with the low graduation rate, you face significant odds of leaving with debt but no degree. The $26,000 median debt burden becomes especially problematic given the weak earning outcomes.
This school works best for students with strong family financial support who can minimize borrowing, or those pursuing computer science with clear career plans. Students considering education, biology, or other lower-earning programs should explore more affordable public options or schools with stronger regional employment pipelines.
Guilford's location in Greensboro provides access to Research Triangle job markets, but the school's outcomes suggest weak employer connections or career services. You should have backup transfer options and avoid borrowing beyond federal loan limits. Students without family financial support or unclear career direction should look elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Guilford College worth the debt?
With median debt of $26,000 and 10-year earnings of $47,590, Guilford graduates earn enough to manage their loans but don't see strong financial returns. The 47% graduation rate means many students take on debt without finishing their degree.
What are the best paying majors at Guilford College?
Computer science graduates earn around $49,200 annually, making it the highest-paying program at Guilford. Accounting and business management also show decent returns at $46,800 and $45,300 respectively, while education and biology majors earn significantly less.
Does Guilford College have good financial aid?
The net price of $21,200 per year is reasonable for a private college, suggesting decent financial aid for most students. However, nearly half of students don't graduate, which limits the value of any aid received.
Is Guilford College a good investment compared to other schools?
Guilford's ROI is below average due to modest graduate earnings and a low graduation rate. Students might find better value at North Carolina public universities or community colleges with transfer options.