Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 41.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 41.9%
- Retention Rate
- 61.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $44,781
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 49.0%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $276/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $41,205 | |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Bachelor | $38,289 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $36,437 | |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $33,726 | $26,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $32,391 | $21,998 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $29,685 | |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $26,739 | $26,040 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $25,194 | $27,000 |
Outcomes Overview
Mars Hill graduates carry a median debt of $26,000, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 against their $44,781 median salary. Monthly loan payments of $276 consume about 7.4% of gross income, which sits below the recommended 10% threshold. The 96% employment rate suggests strong job placement, though the 49% loan repayment rate indicates some graduates struggle financially. Many Lions enter education, social services, and outdoor recreation careers that align with the school's liberal arts mission but typically offer modest starting salaries. The relatively low debt load compared to similar private colleges helps offset lower earnings potential. This represents an average return on investment for students prioritizing small class sizes and mountain campus life over maximum earning potential.