At $20,899/yr net price, Presbyterian College graduates earn $60,194/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $26,194/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,899 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $83,596 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $60,194/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$26,194/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 61.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,786/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,964/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,293/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,742/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,955/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $118,465 | $213,769 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $42,363 | $24,625 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $36,312 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $33,518 | |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $25,194 | |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $24,035 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $22,824 | $26,000 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $16,663 | $24,799 |
The Risk Factor
61.9% of students at Presbyterian College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 38% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Presbyterian College delivers mixed financial returns, with outcomes heavily dependent on your major choice. The pharmacy program stands out with six-figure earning potential, but you'll graduate with over $200,000 in debt that requires careful financial planning to manage.
Business administration offers the most balanced risk-reward profile at this school, producing solid mid-career earnings with manageable debt levels around $25,000. Mathematics graduates earn modestly but typically carry less debt. Education and English majors face challenging financial prospects, with starting salaries that may struggle to justify even Presbyterian's relatively affordable net price.
The school's 62% graduation rate creates significant financial risk if you don't complete your degree. Nearly three-quarters of students return after freshman year, but the dropout rate means you could end up with debt and no credential. The small size limits networking opportunities compared to larger regional universities.
Presbyterian works financially for pre-pharmacy students willing to commit to the full doctoral program and future pharmacists who understand the debt-to-income timeline. Business majors seeking a small college experience can find reasonable value here. The school makes less sense for liberal arts majors who could achieve similar outcomes at lower-cost public universities.
Only 28% of students receive need-based aid, suggesting limited financial assistance for middle-income families. Merit scholarships exist but aren't widely distributed. Your best cost strategy involves graduating in four years and choosing a major aligned with regional job markets in South Carolina and neighboring states.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Presbyterian College worth the cost?
Presbyterian College offers mixed value depending on your major. Pharmacy graduates earn $118,465 annually, making the $26,000 median debt manageable, but other programs like English ($25,194) and education ($33,518) may struggle to justify the investment.
What is Presbyterian College's return on investment?
Presbyterian College graduates earn $60,194 ten years after graduation with typical debt of $26,000. The ROI depends heavily on program choice, with pharmacy students seeing strong returns while liberal arts majors face weaker financial outcomes.
Does Presbyterian College give good financial aid?
Presbyterian College brings the net price down to $20,899 annually through financial aid. However, with a 61.90% graduation rate, nearly two in five students don't finish, which significantly increases the financial risk.
Which Presbyterian College majors have the best job prospects?
Pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences graduates from Presbyterian College earn over $118,000 annually, making these the clear winners. Business majors earn $42,363 while education and English majors face much lower earning potential.