At $19,847/yr net price, Huston-Tillotson University graduates earn $42,937/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,937/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,847 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $79,388 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,937/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,937/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 8.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 36.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $30,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,481/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,707/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,716/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,434/yr |
| $110,001+ | $22,836/yr |
The Risk Factor
36.1% of students at Huston-Tillotson 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
Huston-Tillotson University presents a challenging financial picture with a 10-year median earning of $42,937 against a net price of nearly $20,000 annually. The low graduation rate of 36% means most students never complete their degree, making this a high-risk investment for many.
The school's retention rate of just over 50% signals serious academic or financial struggles that cause half of students to leave after freshman year. This pattern, combined with the modest post-graduation earnings, suggests limited career preparation or weak alumni networks in Austin's competitive job market.
Business and education majors at historically black colleges and universities like Huston-Tillotson often see better outcomes than the overall average, but you'll need to research specific program placement rates. Liberal arts degrees from smaller institutions typically struggle in today's job market, especially when competing against graduates from larger Texas universities.
The $30,750 median debt load becomes problematic when paired with earnings just above $40,000. Your debt-to-income ratio will likely exceed recommended levels, potentially limiting your financial flexibility for years after graduation.
This school works best for students who can minimize borrowing through family support or substantial merit aid. If you're paying full price or taking significant loans, larger public universities in Texas offer better financial returns. Consider Huston-Tillotson only if you can graduate debt-free or if you have strong personal connections to the institution's mission and community that justify the financial risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Huston-Tillotson University worth the cost for most students?
With graduates earning $42,937 after 10 years and median debt of $30,750, the financial return is below average for college graduates. The 36% graduation rate means many students leave with debt but no degree.
What is the ROI for Huston-Tillotson University compared to other schools?
The return on investment is poor relative to most four-year colleges. Graduates earn less than the national average while carrying substantial debt, and the low graduation rate increases the risk of financial loss.
Does financial aid make Huston-Tillotson University affordable?
The net price of $19,847 per year is relatively affordable for a private college. However, many students still graduate with around $30,750 in debt, which is difficult to manage on the typical graduate salary of $43,000.
Which programs at Huston-Tillotson University have the best job prospects?
The school's business and education programs traditionally offer better employment rates than liberal arts majors. However, even the stronger programs produce graduates with below-average starting salaries compared to similar majors at other institutions.