At $21,401/yr net price, Huntingdon College graduates earn $49,601/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $15,601/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,401 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $85,604 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $49,601/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$15,601/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 46.9% |
| 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 | $18,007/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,221/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $23,949/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,851/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,993/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $43,798 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $41,937 | $27,250 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $40,089 | |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $29,685 | |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $24,679 | $26,500 |
The Risk Factor
46.9% of students at Huntingdon College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Huntingdon College delivers weak financial returns that make it a risky investment for most students. With median 10-year earnings of $49,601 against a net price of $21,401 annually, you're looking at a payback period that stretches well beyond what stronger programs at other schools offer.
The business programs provide the only reasonable earning potential, with general business graduates earning $43,798 and management graduates making $41,937. Even these top performers generate modest returns when you factor in the $27,000 median debt load. Education majors earn $40,089 but face a saturated job market in Alabama where teacher salaries remain below national averages.
Avoid the communication and physical education programs entirely. Communication graduates earn just $29,685 while carrying similar debt, and physical education majors make only $24,679 with $26,500 in loans. These numbers create a financial hole that takes decades to escape.
The 46.9% graduation rate signals serious completion risk. Two-thirds of students who start at Huntingdon either transfer or drop out, often with debt but no degree. The 66.67% retention rate means you face substantial odds of leaving after your first year.
Consider Huntingdon only if you qualify for significant merit aid that drops your annual costs below $15,000, or if you're pursuing business with family connections in Montgomery's limited corporate environment. Students without strong financial backing or clear career paths should look elsewhere. Alabama offers better value through its public universities, while regional competitors provide stronger alumni networks and higher graduation rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Huntingdon College worth the tuition cost?
Huntingdon College graduates earn a median of $49,601 ten years after graduation, which is below average for the $21,401 annual net price. With only a 47% graduation rate and $27,000 in typical debt, the return on investment is weak compared to other options.
What are the highest paying majors at Huntingdon College?
Business and management programs at Huntingdon College lead to the highest earnings at around $42,000-44,000 annually. Education majors earn about $40,000, while communication and physical education graduates see significantly lower returns at $30,000 and $25,000 respectively.
How much debt do Huntingdon College students typically graduate with?
Huntingdon College graduates carry a median debt of $27,000, which is manageable compared to many private schools. However, with starting salaries often in the $40,000 range, debt payments may still strain budgets for several years after graduation.
Does Huntingdon College have good graduation rates and job outcomes?
Huntingdon College has a concerning 47% graduation rate, meaning more than half of students who start don't finish. Those who do graduate earn around $49,600 after ten years, which lags behind many other Alabama colleges.