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 gives you a mixed-to-weak financial return. Ten-year median earnings sit below $49k, while you carry roughly $24k in debt to get there. That debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable but not comfortable, especially since a Bible-focused private college channels many graduates into ministry, church, and nonprofit work where pay stays modest for years. If you want a high-earning career, this school's outcomes won't get you there.
The bigger risk here is completion, not just cost. Only about two-thirds of you return after freshman year, and just over half finish. Every year you attend costs money whether or not you graduate, and if you leave without a degree you keep the debt without the earnings bump. That retention gap is the real financial hazard at this school.
No bachelor-level program salary data is listed, so treat any single major's payoff as unknown. Judge the fit by the career you actually want. This school makes financial sense if you're called to ministry or Christian education and you accept modest pay as part of that path.
The net price tiers are unusual. If your family earns under $48k, you pay less than higher-income families, and the $30-48k bracket pays the least at under $16k a year. But if you earn under $30k, you still owe over $21k annually, which is steep on a low income. Middle and upper-income families pay close to the full $26k, so budget for near-sticker cost.
Look elsewhere if you're chasing salary and carrying loans. Enroll here if the mission matches your goals and you can keep debt near the median or below.
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.