At $30,841/yr net price, Mitchell College graduates earn $39,115/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,115/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $30,841 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $123,364 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,115/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,115/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 24.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 44.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,150 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $27,427/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $29,762/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $26,085/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $36,769/yr |
| $110,001+ | $33,628/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $31,133 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $26,224 | $27,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $24,421 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $24,035 | $26,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $22,420 | |
| Hospitality Administration/Management. | Bachelor | $17,396 |
The Risk Factor
44.1% of students at Mitchell 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
Mitchell College delivers weak financial returns that make the $30,841 annual cost difficult to justify. With median earnings of just $39,115 ten years after graduation and a troubling 44% graduation rate, your investment faces serious headwinds.
The earnings data reveals stark disparities across programs. Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates earn $31,133 annually, making it the most financially viable option despite modest returns. Criminal Justice graduates face particularly poor prospects at $26,224 with $27,000 in debt. Business Administration and Health/Physical Education programs show even weaker earning potential at around $24,000 annually, creating challenging debt-to-income ratios.
Your biggest financial risk lies in the 56% chance of not graduating at all. The 57% retention rate signals that many students transfer or drop out, often carrying debt without a degree. This combination of high costs, low completion rates, and modest earnings creates a precarious financial equation.
Mitchell works best for students with substantial family support who can minimize borrowing. If you need significant financial aid, the 39% of students receiving assistance suggests limited institutional support. The school may suit students seeking small class sizes and personal attention, but only if finances are not your primary concern.
Consider Mitchell if you have strong family financial backing or qualify for external scholarships. Look elsewhere if you need substantial aid or prioritize career earnings. The math simply does not work for most students carrying typical debt loads, especially given the high dropout risk and regional job market limitations in southeastern Connecticut.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mitchell College worth the cost?
Mitchell College graduates earn a median of $39,115 ten years after graduation, which is low compared to the $30,841 annual cost. With only a 44% graduation rate, many students don't finish their degree at all.
What are the best paying programs at Mitchell College?
Liberal Arts and General Studies graduates from Mitchell College earn the most at $31,133 annually, while Criminal Justice graduates earn $26,224. Most programs produce earnings below $27,000, which may not justify the cost.
How much debt do Mitchell College students graduate with?
Mitchell College graduates have median debt of $25,150. Given the relatively low starting salaries across most programs, this debt load could be challenging to repay.
Does Mitchell College have good job placement after graduation?
Mitchell College's 10-year earnings data shows graduates earning around $39,000, which is modest for a private college. The 44% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their programs successfully.