At $12,272/yr net price, Stillman College graduates earn $35,421/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $1,421/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,272 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $49,088 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $35,421/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$1,421/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 34.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 41.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $29,067 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,789/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,252/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,214/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,001/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,500/yr |
The Risk Factor
41.0% of students at Stillman 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
Stillman College delivers a weak financial return with median earnings of just $35,421 ten years after graduation, barely above the poverty line for a family of four. The low graduation rate of 41% means most students never finish their degrees, making this one of Alabama's riskiest educational investments.
Your biggest financial risk here is not graduating at all. With nearly six out of ten students dropping out, you face the worst possible outcome: debt without a degree. The median debt load of $29,067 becomes particularly burdensome when paired with such low earning potential.
Business and education majors typically fare better at historically black colleges and universities like Stillman, given the school's strong alumni networks in these fields within Alabama. However, even successful graduates struggle financially given the regional job market limitations in Tuscaloosa and broader Alabama.
This school makes financial sense only if you receive substantial aid that drives your actual costs well below the $12,272 net price. With 68% of students receiving aid, merit scholarships are available, but you need significant support to justify the investment. Consider Stillman if you have strong family or community ties to the institution and plan to work in Alabama long-term.
Look elsewhere if you need higher earning potential or cannot afford the risk of potentially dropping out with debt. The combination of low graduation rates and modest post-graduation earnings creates a particularly challenging financial profile that most students should avoid unless they have compelling non-financial reasons to attend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stillman College worth the cost?
Stillman College's return on investment is challenging, with graduates earning a median of $35,421 ten years after enrollment while carrying $29,067 in debt. The low graduation rate of 41% adds significant risk to your investment.
What is the job market like for Stillman College graduates?
Stillman graduates face a difficult job market with median earnings of $35,421 after ten years, which is below the national average for college graduates. Many graduates struggle to find employment that justifies their education costs.
How much debt do Stillman College students typically graduate with?
Students at Stillman College graduate with a median debt of $29,067. With post-graduation earnings averaging $35,421, many graduates spend years paying off loans that represent a significant portion of their income.
Does Stillman College offer good financial aid?
Stillman College's net price of $12,272 per year reflects substantial financial aid for most students. However, the low graduation rate means many students take on debt without completing their degree.