Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,960 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $79,840 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 34.0% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,227/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,752/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,973/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,457/yr |
The Risk Factor
34.0% of students at Simmons College of Kentucky 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
Simmons College of Kentucky presents a challenging financial picture with significant risks that outweigh potential returns for most students. The 34% graduation rate means two-thirds of students leave without a degree but often with debt, creating poor odds for any return on investment.
The $19,960 annual net price appears reasonable compared to other private colleges, but becomes problematic when combined with the low completion rates. You face a coin-flip chance of returning for your second year, given the 51% retention rate. These completion statistics suggest systemic issues that make degree completion unlikely regardless of your academic preparation.
The college's focus on historically Black education and religious mission may provide valuable non-financial benefits, but the employment outcomes data needed to evaluate specific program returns is limited. Without clear career placement rates or salary data by major, you cannot assess which programs might justify the investment risk.
Financial aid reaches 43% of students, but aid alone cannot solve the fundamental completion problem. Merit scholarships or grants that reduce your net price below $15,000 annually might make the risk more acceptable, but only if you have strong confidence in your ability to graduate despite the institutional challenges.
You should consider Simmons only if the cultural and religious environment is essential to your educational goals and you have demonstrated academic resilience. Students seeking primarily financial returns should explore Kentucky's public universities or private colleges with higher graduation rates. The financial risk here is substantial, with most students likely to leave with debt but no degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Simmons College of Kentucky worth the cost?
Simmons College of Kentucky has concerning value metrics with a 34% graduation rate and limited career outcome data. The $19,960 annual net price may be reasonable for some families, but the low completion rate suggests many students don't finish their degrees.
What is the job placement rate for Simmons College of Kentucky graduates?
Specific employment data for Simmons College of Kentucky graduates is not readily available. With only 34% of students graduating, tracking meaningful career outcomes becomes difficult for this institution.
How much student debt do Simmons College of Kentucky graduates have?
Detailed debt information for Simmons College of Kentucky is limited. However, with a low graduation rate of 34%, many students may accumulate debt without completing their degrees, which significantly worsens financial outcomes.
What programs at Simmons College of Kentucky have the best ROI?
Program-specific outcome data for Simmons College of Kentucky is not widely published. Given the overall low graduation rate, prospective students should carefully research specific department success rates before enrolling.