At $25,378/yr net price, Providence Christian College graduates earn $46,264/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $12,264/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $25,378 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $101,512 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $46,264/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$12,264/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 8.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 52.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $22,949/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $22,549/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $23,948/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,574/yr |
| $110,001+ | $28,102/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $19,592 | $24,422 |
The Risk Factor
52.6% of students at Providence Christian 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
Providence Christian College delivers weak financial returns that make it difficult to justify the investment. With median earnings of $46,264 ten years after graduation and a net price of $25,378 annually, you'll face a challenging payback period even with the relatively modest $25,000 median debt load.
The school's single reported program outcome tells the story: Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates earn just $19,592 annually while carrying $24,422 in debt. This creates an unsustainable debt-to-income ratio that will strain your finances for years. The 52.6% graduation rate means nearly half of students leave without completing their degree, making the investment even riskier.
Providence Christian College works financially only for students who plan to pursue graduate school immediately or have family wealth that eliminates borrowing needs. If you're banking on the degree alone to provide career advancement in the Pasadena job market, the numbers don't support that strategy.
The limited financial aid participation at 33.82% suggests merit scholarships may be scarce. Your best cost strategy involves maximizing any available church or denominational scholarships that align with the college's Christian mission. Without substantial aid, the return on investment becomes prohibitively poor.
Consider this school only if you value the specific religious environment enough to accept weak career earnings potential. Students seeking strong financial returns should look elsewhere, particularly at regional public universities or private colleges with stronger career services and alumni networks in higher-paying fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Providence Christian College worth the cost?
With graduates earning $46,264 ten years after enrollment and a net price of $25,378 annually, Providence Christian College offers moderate financial returns. The relatively low median debt of $25,000 helps, but the 53% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish their degrees.
What is the ROI for Providence Christian College graduates?
Providence Christian College graduates see modest returns compared to the investment. The school's liberal arts focus and small size may limit immediate earning potential, though the lower debt burden reduces long-term financial risk.
Do Providence Christian College programs lead to good-paying jobs?
The top programs at Providence Christian College are Liberal Arts and General Studies, which typically lead to starting salaries around $19,592. These fields often require additional education or training for higher-paying positions.
How much debt do Providence Christian College students graduate with?
Providence Christian College students graduate with a median debt of $25,000, which is below the national average. However, with post-graduation earnings of $46,264, debt payments may still represent a significant portion of income for new graduates.