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 gives you a weak financial return with real risk attached. Ten years out, the median earnings of $35,421 barely clear what many high school graduates make, and against median debt near $29,000 that is a tough payoff. This is a school where the money math works against you unless you finish and land in a solid field.
The 41% graduation rate is the core problem. Nearly six in ten students don't finish in the tracked window, and if you borrow and leave without a degree, you carry the debt with none of the earnings bump. The 79% retention rate says most first-years come back, so the drop-off happens later. You need a plan to cross the finish line, not just enroll.
No bachelor-level program earnings are listed here, so there's no honest way to say which majors at Stillman pay and which don't. Treat any program-specific salary promise you hear from the school with skepticism until you see real graduate data for that major.
The net price is nearly flat across income bands, which is the story for families. If you earn under $30,000, you pay about the same $11,000 to $12,000 as a family making $75,000. Only above $110,000 does the price jump to $17,500. Low-income families get little discount here relative to middle-income ones, so the sticker weighs heaviest on you if you have the least.
Stillman is a reasonable fit if the HBCU environment and the Tuscaloosa location matter to you personally and you're confident you'll graduate. If you're borrowing heavily and chasing a strong salary outcome, the earnings and completion numbers say look at cheaper public options or schools with proven program-level pay data before committing.
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.