At $27,786/yr net price, Roanoke College graduates earn $58,047/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $24,047/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $27,786 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $111,144 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $58,047/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$24,047/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 65.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $20,269/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,396/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,279/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $26,939/yr |
| $110,001+ | $32,137/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $36,938 | $26,000 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Bachelor | $35,600 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $33,281 | $27,000 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $30,771 | $27,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $28,598 | $27,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $27,476 | $26,820 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $25,658 | $27,000 |
| History. | Bachelor | $20,140 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
65.9% of students at Roanoke College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 34% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Roanoke College delivers weak financial returns that fail to justify its high costs. With median earnings of $58,047 ten years after graduation and a net price of $27,786 annually, you're paying premium private school tuition for outcomes barely above the national average.
The earnings data reveals serious red flags across popular majors. Business graduates earn just $36,938 annually while carrying $26,000 in debt, creating a debt-to-income ratio that will strain your budget for years. Psychology and biology majors fare even worse, with starting salaries in the low $30,000s that make loan repayment difficult in expensive metropolitan areas.
Your biggest financial risk at Roanoke is the combination of high dropout rates and mediocre job placement. The 65.90% graduation rate means one in three students leaves without a degree but often with substantial debt. The 77.89% retention rate signals that many students realize early that the investment isn't paying off.
This school makes financial sense only if you're pursuing a career where the liberal arts network matters more than starting salary, or if you qualify for substantial merit aid that brings your actual costs well below the published net price. Students targeting high-earning fields like engineering, computer science, or finance should look elsewhere.
The financial aid picture offers little hope, with only 24.32% of students receiving aid. This suggests limited institutional grant money and heavy reliance on loans to bridge the affordability gap. Your best strategy is securing merit scholarships upfront or choosing a more affordable alternative that delivers better career outcomes for your investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Roanoke College worth the cost?
With a net price of $27,786 and median debt of $27,000, Roanoke College graduates earn $58,047 ten years after graduation. The return on investment is modest, and only 66% of students graduate.
What are the highest paying majors at Roanoke College?
Business Administration leads with $36,938 in median earnings, followed by Natural Resources Conservation at $35,600. Most other programs at Roanoke College pay significantly less, with some averaging under $30,000.
How much debt do Roanoke College graduates have?
The median debt is $27,000, which is manageable compared to the annual net price of $27,786. However, graduates earning under $35,000 in fields like Biology or Education may struggle with loan payments.
Should I attend Roanoke College for a good return on investment?
Roanoke College offers average returns at best, with earnings that don't significantly exceed the investment for most programs. Consider it mainly if you receive substantial financial aid or plan to study Business Administration.