At $26,328/yr net price, Montreat College graduates earn $45,151/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,151/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $26,328 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $105,312 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,151/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,151/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 9.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 40.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,813 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $21,717/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $23,372/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $26,184/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $28,027/yr |
| $110,001+ | $29,514/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $49,214 | |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $43,319 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $40,853 | $23,250 |
| Psychology, Other. | Bachelor | $28,960 |
The Risk Factor
40.6% of students at Montreat 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
Montreat College gives you a weak financial return. You pay $26,328 a year in net price and end up with median earnings of $45,151 a decade after enrolling. That gap is the core problem: four years at this net price runs past $100,000, and the typical graduate earns less than what many trades or state-school grads pull in without that bill.
The program data makes it worse. Business Administration, the top-earning major listed, pays $40,853 with about $23,250 in debt. Psychology comes in at $28,960, which barely clears entry-level wages and does not justify the cost as a terminal bachelor's degree. If you enroll here, Business is the safer bet, and Psychology only pays off if you plan on graduate school.
Two numbers should worry you. A 40.60% graduation rate means most students who start do not finish, and a 62.44% retention rate means nearly four in ten first-years leave. If you drop out, you keep the debt without the degree that pays it back. Median debt of $25,813 is manageable only if you graduate and land the higher-earning path.
The net price tiers move less than you'd hope. If your family earns under $30,000, you still pay $21,717 a year, and that only rises to $29,514 above $110,000. Low-income families get a modest discount, not a free ride, so factor in loans or work at every income level.
This school fits you if you commit to the Business track, expect to graduate, and value the small Christian-college setting enough to accept the earnings ceiling. If you're chasing the strongest dollar return, or leaning toward Psychology without grad-school plans, look at cheaper public options first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Montreat College worth the cost?
Montreat College graduates earn a median of $45,151 ten years after graduation, which is modest considering the $26,328 annual net price. The 40.6% graduation rate suggests many students don't complete their degrees, making the investment risky for those who don't finish.
What are the highest paying majors at Montreat College?
Business Administration graduates from Montreat College earn the highest median salary at $49,214, followed by Mental and Social Health Services at $43,319. Psychology majors earn significantly less at $28,960, making program choice important for ROI.
How much debt do Montreat College students graduate with?
Montreat College graduates have a median debt of $25,813. With starting salaries around $45,000, this debt level is manageable but leaves little room for financial flexibility early in graduates' careers.
Does Montreat College have good job placement rates?
Montreat College has a low 40.6% graduation rate, which raises concerns about student success and support systems. The school's 68% acceptance rate indicates it's not highly selective, and earnings data shows graduates earn below-average salaries compared to other college graduates nationally.