At $20,986/yr net price, Maryville College graduates earn $49,279/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $15,279/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,986 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $83,944 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $49,279/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$15,279/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 47.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,375 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,787/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,122/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,434/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,500/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,602/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $37,568 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $32,711 | $24,400 |
The Risk Factor
47.2% of students at Maryville 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
Maryville College delivers weak financial returns that make it difficult to justify for most students. With median 10-year earnings of $49,279 against a net price of $20,986 annually, your investment barely pays off compared to starting work immediately after high school.
The graduation rate of 47% means more than half of students leave without a degree but often with debt. Even graduates face earnings that lag behind national averages, with the highest-paying programs reaching only $37,568 in education and $32,711 in business. These figures put Maryville graduates at a significant disadvantage in Tennessee's job market, where larger universities and technical programs often provide better career preparation.
The debt picture adds another concern. Median debt of $25,375 creates monthly payments that consume a substantial portion of typical graduate salaries. Business majors carry $24,400 in debt for earnings of just $32,711, creating a payment-to-income ratio that limits financial flexibility for years after graduation.
Maryville works best for students who receive substantial merit aid or have family wealth that eliminates borrowing needs. The retention rate of 68% suggests many students recognize the value proposition early and transfer elsewhere. If you need significant financial aid, the fact that only 35% of students receive assistance indicates limited institutional support.
Consider Maryville only if you receive enough merit aid to bring your total costs below $15,000 annually, or if you plan to pursue graduate school where the specific undergraduate institution matters less than your academic preparation. Otherwise, Tennessee's public universities or regional competitors offer better financial outcomes for similar programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maryville College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Maryville College graduates earn $49,279 annually after 10 years, which is below the national average for college graduates. With a net price of $21,000 per year and median debt of $25,375, the financial return is modest but manageable for most graduates.
What are the best paying majors at Maryville College?
Teacher education graduates earn around $37,568 annually, while business majors average $32,711. Both figures are below national averages for these fields, reflecting the regional job market and school's focus on service-oriented careers.
How much debt do Maryville College students graduate with?
The median debt is $25,375, which is reasonable given current college costs. However, with a 47% graduation rate, nearly half of students leave without a degree while potentially carrying debt.
Does Maryville College have good job placement after graduation?
The low graduation rate of 47% suggests academic challenges, though those who do graduate find employment in education and business sectors. The school serves students seeking careers in Tennessee's regional economy rather than high-paying national markets.