At $22,263/yr net price, Hollins University graduates earn $40,075/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,075/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $22,263 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $89,052 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,075/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,075/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 14.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 69.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $16,579/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,974/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,291/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,733/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,329/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dance. | Master | $45,529 | |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. | Master | $28,960 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $26,739 | $27,000 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $26,353 | $27,000 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $20,140 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
69.7% of students at Hollins University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 30% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Hollins University delivers weak financial returns that make it difficult to justify the investment for most students. With median 10-year earnings of just $40,075 and typical debt of $27,000, you face a challenging payback period that reflects the school's concentration in traditionally lower-paying fields.
Dance stands out as the only program offering reasonable earnings potential at $45,529, while the school's signature liberal arts programs underperform financially. English and psychology graduates earn in the mid-$20,000s despite carrying the same $27,000 debt load as higher-earning majors. Biology presents the worst value proposition, with graduates earning just $20,140 while shouldering full debt obligations.
The 69.7% graduation rate creates additional financial risk, as nearly one in three students leave without completing their degree while still accumulating debt. The 74% retention rate signals that students recognize these challenges early.
Hollins makes financial sense only if you secure substantial merit aid or come from a family that can pay without borrowing. The school's location in Roanoke limits local career opportunities, making geographic mobility essential for better-paying positions. You should consider Hollins only if you have clear post-graduation plans that justify the investment, such as graduate school admission or family connections in your chosen field.
Students prioritizing financial outcomes should look elsewhere. The combination of high debt, low earnings, and limited local job market creates too many obstacles to building wealth after graduation. Only students with significant financial resources or those pursuing dance should seriously consider Hollins from a purely financial perspective.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hollins University worth the cost compared to other schools?
Hollins graduates earn $40,075 after 10 years, which is below the national average for college graduates. With a net price of $22,263 annually and typical debt of $27,000, the financial return is modest unless you're pursuing dance, which pays significantly better at $45,529.
What programs at Hollins University have the best job prospects?
Dance is Hollins' strongest program financially, with graduates earning $45,529 after 10 years. Most other popular programs like English ($26,353), Psychology ($26,739), and Biology ($20,140) produce below-average earnings that may not justify the investment.
How much debt do Hollins University graduates typically have?
Hollins graduates typically carry $27,000 in debt, which is manageable compared to many private schools. However, with median earnings of $40,075 after 10 years, loan payments could still strain budgets for graduates in lower-paying fields like English or Biology.
Does Hollins University provide good financial aid to make it affordable?
Hollins reduces costs to a net price of $22,263 per year through financial aid, making it more affordable than many private colleges. The 69.7% graduation rate suggests most students can complete their degrees, though earnings outcomes vary significantly by major.