At $15,074/yr net price, Paine College graduates earn $33,338/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,074 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $60,296 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $33,338/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-662/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 21.7% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,133/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,480/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,287/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,051/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Journalism. | Bachelor | $26,353 | |
| Criminology. | Bachelor | $25,967 | |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $20,824 |
The Risk Factor
21.7% of students at Paine College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Paine College presents a concerning financial picture with a median earnings outcome of $33,338 ten years after graduation against a net price of $15,074 annually. The low graduation rate of 21.7% means most students who start here never finish their degree, creating substantial financial risk without the benefit of completing their program.
Even the highest-paying majors at Paine struggle to justify the investment. Journalism graduates earn just $26,353 annually, while criminology majors see $25,967. These earnings barely exceed what many high school graduates can achieve without college debt. Sociology majors face the weakest financial outlook at $20,824, which falls well below living wages in most markets.
The retention rate of 53.6% signals that many students struggle to continue after their first year, potentially due to academic preparation gaps or financial pressures. If you transfer out or drop out, you risk carrying debt without a degree to show for it.
Paine could work financially if you can graduate debt-free through family support or substantial aid packages. With 71% of students receiving financial aid, the school may offer generous need-based assistance that could reduce your actual costs significantly below the published net price.
You should seriously consider other options if you need to take loans for your education here. The combination of low graduation rates and modest earning outcomes creates high risk of financial hardship after college. Students interested in criminal justice or journalism should explore state universities or community colleges that offer better completion rates and stronger alumni networks in these fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Paine College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Paine College graduates earn a median of $33,338 ten years after graduation, which is below the national average for college graduates. With a net price of $15,074 annually and a graduation rate of only 21.7%, the return on investment is challenging compared to other institutions.
What are the best paying majors at Paine College?
Journalism leads at $26,353 median earnings, followed by Criminology at $25,967. However, these earnings are still relatively low compared to national averages for these fields at other institutions.
How much student debt do Paine College graduates typically have?
While specific debt data varies, the low graduation rate of 21.7% means many students take on debt without completing their degree. Those who do graduate face earnings that may make loan repayment difficult given the median income of $33,338.
Should I choose Paine College if I get significant financial aid?
Financial aid can help offset the $15,074 net price, but consider the 21.7% graduation rate carefully. The low completion rate suggests many students struggle to finish, which eliminates any potential return on investment regardless of aid received.