At $25,255/yr net price, Howard Payne University graduates earn $48,376/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $14,376/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $25,255 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $101,020 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,376/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$14,376/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 31.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,793 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $20,589/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $22,305/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $26,844/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $29,620/yr |
| $110,001+ | $29,652/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $57,318 | $17,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $37,568 | $23,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $33,993 | |
| Criminology. | Bachelor | $32,563 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $31,042 | $24,467 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $23,649 |
The Risk Factor
31.1% of students at Howard Payne University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Howard Payne University delivers weak financial returns that make it a risky investment for most students. With median earnings of $48,376 ten years after graduation and a net price of $25,255 annually, you're looking at a payback period that stretches well beyond what most families can comfortably manage.
The graduation rate of just 31% represents the biggest red flag. Nearly seven out of ten students leave without a degree, meaning they carry debt without the credential needed to access higher-paying jobs. The 55% retention rate signals that many students realize early this isn't working financially.
Business Administration offers the only clear path to solid earnings at $57,318, though even this comes with $17,000 in debt. Education majors face particularly tough economics, with teacher preparation programs producing graduates earning around $32,000 while carrying nearly $25,000 in debt. These salary levels make loan repayment extremely challenging in Texas markets.
You should consider Howard Payne only if you're pursuing business administration and have strong academic credentials that might unlock merit aid. The school awards aid to just 42% of students, suggesting limited scholarship opportunities. Local students with family support who can minimize borrowing might find value, but out-of-state students paying full freight face poor odds of positive returns.
Skip Howard Payne if you're considering education, criminology, or any program outside business administration. The combination of low graduation rates, modest earnings, and limited financial aid creates a financial trap that's difficult to escape. Texas offers numerous public options with better graduation rates and lower costs that deliver superior returns on your investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Howard Payne University worth the cost?
Howard Payne University's graduates earn a median of $48,376 ten years after graduation, which is below average for a degree that costs $25,255 annually. With only a 31% graduation rate and median debt of $26,793, the financial return is weak for most students.
What are the best paying majors at Howard Payne University?
Business Administration graduates from Howard Payne University earn around $57,318, making it the highest-paying program. Most other majors, including education and criminology, produce earnings in the low $30,000s, which struggle to justify the degree cost.
How much debt do Howard Payne University graduates have?
Howard Payne University graduates carry a median debt of $26,793. Given that most earn under $50,000 annually, this debt load represents a significant financial burden that may take decades to repay.
What is Howard Payne University's graduation rate?
Only 31% of students who enter Howard Payne University actually graduate. This extremely low completion rate means most students leave with debt but no degree, making it a high-risk investment.