At $20,197/yr net price, Meredith College graduates earn $51,539/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $17,539/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,197 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $80,788 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $51,539/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$17,539/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 65.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,882/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,337/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,521/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,976/yr |
| $110,001+ | $28,045/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $73,949 | |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $48,432 | |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $44,021 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $43,798 | $22,875 |
| Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services. | Master | $43,128 | $34,200 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $42,682 | |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $36,166 | $27,000 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $35,274 | $25,000 |
| Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations. | Bachelor | $35,060 | $26,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $32,569 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
65.0% of students at Meredith College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 35% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Meredith College delivers mixed financial returns, with strong outcomes for business majors but weaker prospects across most other programs. Your career path determines whether this investment makes sense.
Business administration graduates earn $73,949 annually, making this program the clear financial winner at Meredith. This represents solid ROI given the relatively modest debt load of $22,875 for this major. However, most other popular programs fall short of strong financial returns. Special education graduates earn $48,432, while nutrition majors face particularly challenging economics with $43,128 in earnings against $34,200 in debt.
The school's location in Raleigh provides access to North Carolina's growing business and healthcare sectors, which helps explain why business programs perform well. However, education and social service fields that dominate many other majors offer limited salary growth in this region.
You face specific risks at Meredith including a concerning 35% dropout rate and limited financial aid coverage, with only about one-third of students receiving need-based aid. The $25,000 median debt load becomes problematic if you choose lower-earning majors.
This school works financially if you plan to study business and can handle the full cost without excessive borrowing. The small, supportive environment may justify the premium for students who need that structure to succeed academically. However, you should look elsewhere if you're interested in education, social work, or liberal arts fields where the debt-to-income ratio becomes unfavorable. Students requiring significant financial aid will find better value at public universities or private schools with stronger aid programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Meredith College worth the cost?
Meredith College graduates earn $51,539 ten years after graduation, which is below the national average for college graduates. With a net price of $20,197 annually and typical debt of $25,000, the return on investment is modest unless you pursue high-paying programs like business administration.
What are the highest paying majors at Meredith College?
Business Administration graduates from Meredith College earn around $74,000 annually, making it the strongest financial choice. Special Education ($48,432) and Human Resources ($44,021) offer more modest returns, while nutrition-related programs typically lead to lower earnings around $43,000.
How much debt do Meredith College students graduate with?
The median debt for Meredith College graduates is $25,000, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. However, with average earnings of $51,539, graduates may still face tight budgets in their early career years.
Does Meredith College have good job placement after graduation?
Meredith College has a 65% graduation rate, which is below the national average for four-year colleges. The relatively high acceptance rate of 73% suggests less selective admissions, which can correlate with varied student outcomes and career preparation.