At $10,888/yr net price, Hobe Sound Bible College graduates earn $39,863/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,863/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,888 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $43,552 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,863/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,863/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 60.7% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,986/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,603/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,453/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,777/yr |
The Risk Factor
60.7% of students at Hobe Sound Bible College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 39% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Hobe Sound Bible College delivers weak financial returns with median earnings of just $39,863 ten years after graduation, placing graduates well below national averages for college-educated workers. Your investment of approximately $43,500 over four years will likely take decades to recover through the modest salary premiums available to graduates.
The school's focus on biblical studies and ministry preparation leads to career paths in pastoral work, Christian education, and nonprofit ministry that typically offer low compensation regardless of educational attainment. Youth ministry and pastoral roles in small congregations often start below $35,000 annually, making the college debt burden particularly challenging to service.
Your biggest financial risk lies in the 39% chance you won't graduate at all, leaving you with debt but no degree. The 70% retention rate suggests many students struggle to complete their programs, though this partly reflects the demanding nature of ministry preparation.
This school makes financial sense only if you have a clear calling to full-time ministry and can minimize borrowing. The relatively low net price helps, but even $44,000 in total costs becomes burdensome when your likely career path caps earnings potential. You should consider this investment only if ministry work aligns with your personal mission rather than financial goals.
Look elsewhere if you need higher earning potential to support a family or pay off substantial student loans. The school works best for students with family financial support, ministry scholarships, or those planning to supplement ministry income with secular employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hobe Sound Bible College worth the cost?
Hobe Sound Bible College graduates earn $39,863 ten years after graduation, which is well below the national average for college graduates. With a net price of $10,888 per year, the return on investment is poor compared to other degree options.
What is the job market like for Hobe Sound Bible College graduates?
Most graduates enter ministry, missions, or Christian education fields where salaries are typically lower than secular careers. The median earnings of $39,863 reflect the limited earning potential in these sectors.
How much debt do Hobe Sound Bible College students typically graduate with?
With a net price around $10,888 per year, total debt load is relatively manageable compared to many colleges. However, the low post-graduation earnings make even modest debt burdens challenging to repay.
What programs at Hobe Sound Bible College have the best ROI?
The school primarily offers biblical studies, theology, and ministry preparation programs, all of which lead to similar low-earning career paths. There are no significantly higher-paying program options that would improve the financial return.