At $36,431/yr net price, Kentucky Wesleyan College graduates earn $46,747/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $12,747/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $36,431 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $145,724 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $46,747/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$12,747/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 11.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 52.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $35,694/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $35,651/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $36,301/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $37,446/yr |
| $110,001+ | $37,533/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $28,236 | $25,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $25,580 |
The Risk Factor
52.6% of students at Kentucky Wesleyan 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
Kentucky Wesleyan College delivers poor financial returns that make it difficult to justify the $36,431 annual cost. Your median earnings of $46,747 ten years after graduation create a weak payback scenario, especially considering the high dropout risk with only 53% of students completing their degrees.
The earnings data reveals serious problems across programs. Business majors earn just $28,236 annually while carrying $25,000 in debt, creating an unsustainable debt-to-income ratio. Criminal justice graduates fare worse at $25,580 per year. These numbers fall well below what you need to comfortably service educational debt while building wealth.
You face multiple financial risks at Kentucky Wesleyan. The 65% retention rate means one in three students leave without completing their degree, often while carrying debt. The regional job market in western Kentucky limits high-paying opportunities, trapping many graduates in lower-wage positions that struggle to support loan payments.
This school makes financial sense only for students with substantial family wealth who can avoid borrowing or those receiving significant merit aid that brings costs below $20,000 annually. If you need to borrow heavily or expect education to provide economic mobility, Kentucky Wesleyan presents too much risk for too little reward.
Look elsewhere if maximizing earnings potential matters to your financial future. The combination of high costs, weak graduation rates, and below-market earnings creates a financially dangerous situation for most students. Consider state universities or community college transfer paths that offer better value in the same region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kentucky Wesleyan College worth the cost?
With graduates earning $46,747 ten years after graduation and a net price of $36,431 per year, the return on investment is weak. The low graduation rate of 53% adds significant risk to an already poor financial outcome.
What are the best paying majors at Kentucky Wesleyan College?
Business graduates earn around $28,236 annually while Criminal Justice majors make $25,580. Both figures are well below the national average for college graduates and may not justify the school's cost.
How much debt do Kentucky Wesleyan College students graduate with?
The median debt is $23,250, which is manageable compared to many schools. However, given the low starting salaries of graduates, even this amount may be difficult to repay quickly.
Does Kentucky Wesleyan College have good job placement after graduation?
The 53% graduation rate suggests many students don't complete their programs, and the $46,747 average earnings after ten years indicate limited career advancement. Students should carefully consider whether this school provides adequate career preparation for the investment required.