At $27,934/yr net price, St. John's College graduates earn $51,584/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $17,584/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $27,934 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $111,736 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $51,584/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$17,584/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 67.4% |
| 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 | $21,627/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,625/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,052/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,716/yr |
| $110,001+ | $38,362/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Certificate | $21,781 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $21,052 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
67.4% of students at St. John's College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 33% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
St. John's College delivers weak financial returns that make it a risky investment for most students. The median graduate earns just $51,584 ten years after enrollment, well below what you need to comfortably repay the typical $27,000 in student debt.
The school's Great Books curriculum produces graduates almost exclusively in liberal arts, where median earnings hover around $21,000 annually. This creates a severe mismatch between educational costs and career prospects. Your debt payments will likely strain your budget for years after graduation.
St. John's unusual academic model appeals to a narrow slice of students, which explains why only 22% receive financial aid and the 67% graduation rate lags behind comparable schools. The high 88% retention rate suggests students who stay genuinely love the program, but financial reality hits hard after graduation.
This school makes financial sense only if you have substantial family wealth or plan to pursue graduate school in a higher-paying field. If you need to borrow money for college and want career flexibility, look elsewhere. The intellectual experience may be powerful, but the economic outcomes are consistently poor.
St. John's offers some merit scholarships, but even with aid, you face the fundamental problem of limited career paths. The alumni network is small and concentrated in academic and cultural fields that typically pay modest salaries. Unless you are wealthy enough to prioritize intellectual growth over financial returns, this investment will likely disappoint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is St. John's College worth the cost compared to other schools?
St. John's College graduates earn a median of $51,584 ten years after enrollment, which is below average for the annual cost of attendance. The school's unique Great Books curriculum appeals to specific students, but the financial return doesn't justify the expense for most.
What is the job market like for St. John's College graduates?
St. John's focuses entirely on liberal arts through its Great Books program, which limits direct career preparation. Graduates often need additional training or graduate school to enter specific professions, adding to total education costs.
How much student debt do St. John's College students typically graduate with?
St. John's students graduate with a median debt of $27,000. While this debt level is manageable, the relatively low earning potential of $51,584 creates a challenging debt-to-income ratio for many graduates.
Does St. John's College provide good financial aid to offset costs?
The net price of $27,934 annually suggests limited financial aid impact for most families. With a 67% graduation rate, about one in three students don't complete their degree, making the investment particularly risky.