At $20,351/yr net price, Newberry College graduates earn $48,040/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $14,040/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,351 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $81,404 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,040/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$14,040/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 44.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,805 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,692/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,786/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,439/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,277/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,338/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $56,415 | $22,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $32,925 | $21,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $31,670 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $30,771 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
44.4% of students at Newberry 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
Newberry College delivers weak financial returns that make it a risky investment for most students. With median earnings of $48,040 ten years after graduation and a troubling 44% graduation rate, you face significant odds of either not finishing or earning less than many community college graduates.
Nursing stands out as the only financially viable program, with graduates earning $56,415 annually against relatively modest debt of $22,500. If you can secure admission to the nursing program and complete it, Newberry becomes defensible. Business graduates earn just $32,925 despite similar debt loads, making this program particularly poor value. Education majors face the worst combination of low earnings around $31,000 and high debt up to $27,000.
Your biggest risk is the 44% graduation rate, meaning more than half of students leave without a degree but often with debt. The 70% retention rate signals many students recognize the problems and transfer elsewhere after freshman year. With nearly half of students receiving financial aid, the school clearly struggles to attract full-pay families who have better options.
This school works financially only if you get into nursing, receive substantial merit aid, or have family wealth that makes the poor ROI irrelevant. Students needing loans for business or education programs should look elsewhere. South Carolina residents can find better value at public universities, while out-of-state students should consider community college transfers or regional public schools in their home states that offer superior job placement and graduation rates at lower costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Newberry College worth the cost?
Newberry College's return on investment is mixed, with graduates earning $48,040 after 10 years against $26,805 in median debt. The nursing programs offer the best value at $56,415 average earnings, while education and business programs show lower returns relative to the $20,351 annual cost.
What are the best paying majors at Newberry College?
Nursing programs at Newberry College provide the strongest earnings potential at $56,415 annually. Business administration graduates earn significantly less at $32,925, while education majors typically earn around $30,000-31,000.
How much debt do Newberry College graduates have?
Newberry College graduates carry a median debt of $26,805, which is manageable for nursing majors but creates financial strain for education and business graduates earning $30,000-33,000. The debt-to-income ratio varies significantly by program choice.
What is Newberry College's graduation rate and job prospects?
Newberry College has a 44% graduation rate, meaning over half of students don't complete their degree. Those who do graduate earn $48,040 on average after 10 years, though outcomes depend heavily on choosing higher-paying programs like nursing over lower-earning fields.