At $23,277/yr net price, Stephens College graduates earn $43,071/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,071/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,277 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $93,108 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,071/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,071/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 10.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 46.5% |
| 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 | $16,807/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $22,376/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,100/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $27,781/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,927/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Bachelor | $54,035 | $30,808 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $52,107 | |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $36,488 | $32,078 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $33,993 | |
| Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations. | Bachelor | $27,947 | $27,000 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $26,933 | |
| Agricultural and Domestic Animal Services. | Bachelor | $24,035 | |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. | Bachelor | $21,052 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
46.5% of students at Stephens 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
Stephens College delivers weak financial returns that make it difficult to justify the cost for most students. With median 10-year earnings of $43,071 against a $27,000 debt load, you'll struggle to reach positive ROI within a reasonable timeframe.
Health and Medical Administrative Services offers the best financial prospects at $54,035 annually, though even this top program saddles you with above-average debt. Business Administration provides solid earnings at $52,107 without the debt premium. Student Counseling pays poorly at $36,488 while loading you with $32,078 in debt. Marketing and sales programs deliver particularly weak returns, with specialized sales paying just $27,947.
The 46.5% graduation rate creates substantial financial risk. Nearly half of students leave without a degree but still carry debt. The 71% retention rate signals many students recognize the poor value proposition early and transfer elsewhere.
This school makes financial sense only if you're pursuing health administration or business management and have significant family financial support to minimize borrowing. The high percentage of students receiving aid suggests generous need-based assistance, but the overall economics remain challenging.
You should look elsewhere if you're considering education, liberal arts, or creative programs not reflected in the earnings data. These fields typically show even weaker returns at expensive private colleges. Students interested in marketing or sales can find much better value at public universities or community colleges with strong transfer pathways.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stephens College worth the money?
Stephens College graduates earn $43,071 ten years after graduation, which is below average for the $23,277 annual net price. With a 46.5% graduation rate and $27,000 median debt, the return on investment is weak compared to other colleges.
What are the best paying majors at Stephens College?
Health and Medical Administrative Services leads at $54,035 annually, followed by Business Administration at $52,107. Marketing and specialized sales programs pay significantly less at around $28,000-$34,000, making program choice critical for ROI.
How much student debt do Stephens College graduates have?
Stephens College graduates carry a median debt of $27,000. Given the average earnings of $43,071, this debt load is manageable but leaves limited financial flexibility after graduation.
Does Stephens College have good job placement rates?
With a 46.5% graduation rate, less than half of Stephens College students complete their degrees. The school's job placement data isn't strong enough to offset the low completion rate and modest earnings outcomes.