At $40,721/yr net price, High Point University graduates earn $61,389/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $27,389/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $40,721 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $162,884 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $61,389/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$27,389/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 70.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,575 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $31,504/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $33,524/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $37,597/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $38,651/yr |
| $110,001+ | $44,082/yr |
The Risk Factor
70.0% of students at High Point University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 30% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
High Point University delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice and career goals. The median earnings of $61,389 ten years after graduation provide a reasonable foundation, but the $40,721 annual net price creates a steep climb to profitability.
Business and communications programs at High Point typically offer the strongest earning potential, aligning well with the university's emphasis on experiential learning and internship opportunities in the Charlotte and Greensboro markets. Liberal arts majors face tougher financial prospects given the regional job market's limited opportunities outside business sectors.
The school's biggest financial risk lies in its low financial aid coverage. Only 10.5% of students receive need-based aid, meaning most families pay close to full price. This makes High Point particularly expensive for middle-class families who earn too much for aid but struggle with the high costs.
High Point works best financially for students from affluent families who can afford the costs without borrowing heavily, or for those targeting specific career paths in business or communications where the school's industry connections provide clear value. The relatively modest median debt of $24,575 suggests many students do avoid excessive borrowing.
Skip High Point if you need significant financial aid or plan to major in fields with limited earning potential. The 70% graduation rate indicates completion risks that could leave you with debt but no degree. Students considering graduate school should factor in additional debt on top of undergraduate costs, making the total investment potentially unsustainable for many career paths.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is High Point University worth the high cost?
High Point University's $40,721 annual net price leads to graduates earning $61,389 after 10 years, which is below average for private universities. The debt-to-earnings ratio suggests students may struggle to justify the cost compared to less expensive alternatives.
What programs at High Point University have the best ROI?
Business and communications programs tend to produce higher-earning graduates at High Point University. However, even the strongest programs rarely generate returns that clearly justify the premium tuition compared to state schools.
How much student debt do High Point University graduates typically have?
High Point University graduates leave with a median debt of $24,575. While this is manageable compared to some private schools, the relatively modest post-graduation earnings make loan payments a significant burden for many alumni.
Does High Point University provide enough financial aid to make it affordable?
Despite financial aid, High Point University students still pay an average of $40,721 per year out of pocket. The aid packages often fall short of making the school competitive with public universities on cost.