At $20,244/yr net price, Paul Quinn College graduates earn $29,288/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,244 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $80,976 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $29,288/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-4,712/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 38.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,373 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,812/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,446/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,547/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,322/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,500/yr |
The Risk Factor
38.1% of students at Paul Quinn 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
Paul Quinn College presents a challenging financial picture with median earnings of $29,288 ten years after graduation against a net price of over $20,000 annually. The low graduation rate of 38% means most students leave without a degree, making the investment particularly risky.
The college's urban Dallas location should theoretically provide job opportunities, but graduate earnings lag significantly behind what you'd expect in a major metropolitan area. With median debt around $23,373, many graduates face loan payments that consume a substantial portion of their modest salaries.
Paul Quinn's retention rate of 56% signals that many students struggle to persist through their first year, likely due to academic preparation gaps or financial pressures. If you're considering this school, you need a clear plan for academic support and financing beyond the first year.
The 70% of students receiving financial aid suggests the college works with students on affordability, but the aid may not be sufficient given the poor completion and earnings outcomes. You should investigate specific scholarship opportunities and compare total costs against community college alternatives or other regional four-year options.
This school might work for you if you have strong academic preparation, clear career goals, and backup financial support. However, the combination of low graduation rates and modest earnings makes it a poor choice if you're already struggling academically or financially. The risk of leaving with debt but no degree is substantial at Paul Quinn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Paul Quinn College worth the cost?
Paul Quinn College has concerning ROI numbers with graduates earning just $29,288 ten years after enrollment against a net price of $20,244 annually. The low graduation rate of 38% means many students pay tuition without completing their degree.
What is the return on investment for Paul Quinn College graduates?
Paul Quinn College graduates earn below-average salaries relative to their education costs, with median earnings of $29,288 after ten years. This puts the college in the bottom tier for financial returns compared to other four-year institutions.
How much debt do Paul Quinn College students graduate with?
Paul Quinn College graduates carry a median debt of $23,373, which is problematic given their low post-graduation earnings of around $29,000. This debt-to-income ratio makes loan repayment challenging for many graduates.
What programs at Paul Quinn College have the best job prospects?
Paul Quinn College's overall graduate earnings are low across programs, suggesting limited high-paying career paths. Students should research specific program outcomes and consider whether the investment aligns with their career goals given the school's weak financial returns.