At $20,906/yr net price, Prescott College graduates earn $42,359/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,359/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,906 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $83,624 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,359/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,359/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 10 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 35.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $16,300 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $16,573/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $20,716/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $31,266/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,353/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,921/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $43,426 | $71,500 |
The Risk Factor
35.9% of students at Prescott 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
Prescott College delivers poor financial returns that make it difficult to recommend on economic grounds alone. With median earnings of just $42,359 ten years after graduation and a graduation rate of only 36%, you face significant odds against completing your degree and earning enough to justify the investment.
The school's environmental and social justice focus creates a fundamental mismatch with high-paying career paths. Even the top-earning program, Mental and Social Health Services, produces graduates earning $43,426 while carrying $71,500 in debt. This debt-to-income ratio makes loan repayment extremely challenging in Arizona's nonprofit-heavy job market where many Prescott graduates seek employment.
The 75% retention rate signals that many students realize early that the academic model does not work for them. You should seriously consider whether you can afford to be among the 64% who never graduate, leaving you with debt but no degree.
This school makes financial sense only if you have substantial family wealth, plan to pursue graduate school in a higher-earning field, or prioritize the experiential learning model over financial returns. The relatively low net price of $20,906 helps, but the poor graduation rates and limited earning potential in the school's core programs create substantial financial risk.
Merit aid opportunities exist but cannot overcome the fundamental economic reality that Prescott College prepares you for careers in fields that typically pay below the national median. If maximizing your earning potential matters to your financial future, you should look elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Prescott College worth the cost for the career outcomes?
Prescott College graduates earn a median of $42,359 ten years after enrollment, which is below average for a bachelor's degree. The low graduation rate of 36% means many students pay tuition without completing their degree, making the investment risky for most students.
What programs at Prescott College have the best return on investment?
Mental and Social Health Services programs show the strongest earnings potential at $43,426 median salary. However, this is still modest compared to other fields, and students should carefully research job market demand in their target location.
How much debt do Prescott College graduates typically have?
The median debt load is $16,300, which is relatively manageable compared to many private colleges. Still, with lower-than-average earnings and a high dropout risk, even this debt level could be challenging to repay for some graduates.
Does Prescott College's acceptance rate affect its value?
With a 98% acceptance rate, Prescott College admits nearly all applicants, which typically indicates less selectivity and potentially weaker academic outcomes. The combination of easy admission and low graduation rates suggests many students may not be academically prepared for success.