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 asks you to pay $25,255 a year and delivers a median 10-year earning of $48,376. That gap is the core problem. You are borrowing a median $26,793 to attend a school where fewer than a third of students finish in the standard window, and only about half return after their first year. Those two numbers together mean a real chance you pay for time here and leave without the degree that was supposed to justify the cost.
The program earnings make the return worse, not better. Business Administration tops the list at $37,568, and that is the best-paying bachelor's degree here. Teacher education lands in the low $30,000s, criminology near $32,000, and Health and Physical Education under $24,000. Every one of these sits below the school-wide median, which tells you the higher earners came from elsewhere or from graduate credentials. If you enroll expecting one of these named majors to pay off your debt, the math does not work in your favor.
The net price tiers offer some relief at the bottom. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay $20,589. that climbs to nearly $29,700 once you cross $75,000. But even the discounted low-income price outruns what most of these degrees pay early on, so the aid narrows the gap without closing it.
This school is a reasonable financial bet only if you land the business degree, keep debt below the median, and are confident you will actually graduate. If you are drawn to physical education or plan to lean on loans, the completion odds and the earnings both point the wrong way. Look for a school with a higher retention rate and stronger program payoffs before committing here.
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.