At $23,608/yr net price, Manhattan Christian College graduates earn $48,860/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $14,860/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,608 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $94,432 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,860/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$14,860/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 54.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $21,548/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,838/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,654/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,913/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,089/yr |
The Risk Factor
54.8% of students at Manhattan Christian 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
Manhattan Christian College delivers weak financial returns that make it a risky investment for most students. Your median earnings of $48,860 ten years after enrollment barely justify the $23,608 annual net price, especially when combined with a concerning 54.8% graduation rate.
The school's low retention rate of 67.86% signals that many students struggle to complete their programs, which dramatically worsens the ROI calculation. If you don't graduate, you still carry the debt without the degree premium. With median debt of $24,250, you face substantial loan payments on earnings that may not support them comfortably.
Manhattan Christian College works financially only for specific students: those receiving substantial merit aid that drives down the net price significantly, students planning careers where the Christian college network provides clear advantages, or those whose families can pay without borrowing. The 44.83% of students receiving aid suggests some scholarship opportunities exist, but you need to secure generous packages to make the numbers work.
The school's rural Kansas location limits internship and job opportunities compared to urban areas, which may explain the modest post-graduation earnings. Local employers may not offer salaries that justify the debt load, particularly for liberal arts majors.
You should look elsewhere if you need to borrow heavily, lack clear career direction, or want strong job placement support. The combination of high dropout risk, modest earnings outcomes, and limited financial aid makes this a poor choice for most students seeking solid financial returns on their education investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Manhattan Christian College worth the cost?
With graduates earning $48,860 ten years after enrollment and median debt of $24,250, Manhattan Christian College offers a reasonable return on investment for a small private college. The relatively low debt burden compared to earnings makes it financially manageable for most graduates.
What is the job market like for Manhattan Christian College graduates?
Manhattan Christian College graduates typically enter ministry, education, and social services fields where starting salaries are modest but stable. The $48,860 median earnings after ten years reflects these career paths, which prioritize service over high compensation.
How much financial aid does Manhattan Christian College actually provide?
The net price of $23,608 per year suggests Manhattan Christian College provides substantial aid, reducing costs significantly from the sticker price. However, with a 55% graduation rate, nearly half of students don't complete their degree, which increases the risk of debt without a diploma.
Should I choose Manhattan Christian College over a state school for better ROI?
Kansas state schools typically offer lower costs and comparable earnings outcomes for most fields. Manhattan Christian College makes sense primarily if you're committed to Christian ministry or prefer its specific faith-based educational environment.