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 gives you a weak financial return. Ten years out, median earnings sit at $42,937, and you carry $30,750 in median debt to get there. That debt roughly matches your first-year post-graduation earnings, which is a tight ratio for a private school charging close to $20,000 a year net.
The bigger risk is finishing at all. Only about half of you come back for a second year, and just over a third graduate. If you leave with debt but no degree, you get the loan without the earnings bump, which is the worst outcome this school can hand you. That completion risk is the single most important number here.
Austin helps and hurts. The local job market is strong, so a degree that lands you in it can pay off. But the city is expensive, and $42,937 does not stretch far against Austin housing costs. No bachelor-level program earnings are listed here, so treat any specific major's payoff as unknown until you check the individual program data.
The net price tiers are unusual: families earning under $30,000 pay about the same as families earning over $110,000, roughly $19,500 versus $22,800. Most schools charge low-income families far less. That means if your family income is under $48,000, you get little price relief, and the $19,481 net price is a heavy lift. Higher-income families pay only a few thousand more, so the aid does not scale much with need.
This school fits you if you are confident you will finish and have a clear path into Austin's job market. If your finances are shaky or you are unsure about completing, the low grad rate and flat pricing make the debt hard to justify. Compare the net price against Texas public options before committing.
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.