At $19,868/yr net price, Tabor College graduates earn $54,058/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $20,058/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,868 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $79,472 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,058/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$20,058/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 32.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,887 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,085/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,138/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,280/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,255/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,354/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $59,846 | |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $22,771 |
The Risk Factor
32.9% of students at Tabor College 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
Tabor College delivers weak financial returns that should give most students pause. With median earnings of $54,058 ten years after graduation and a graduation rate of just 33%, your chances of completing your degree and earning enough to justify the cost are both below average.
The numbers reveal a sharp divide between programs. Nursing graduates earn $59,846 annually, making it the only major that offers solid financial returns at Tabor. Health and Physical Education graduates earn just $22,771, barely above minimum wage work and far below what you need to handle typical student debt loads.
The low graduation rate creates significant financial risk. With only one in three students finishing their degree, you face real odds of leaving with debt but no credential. The 66% retention rate signals that many students transfer or drop out after freshman year.
Tabor works financially only for nursing students who can handle the program demands and secure one of the limited spots. For other majors, you can find better career preparation and job prospects elsewhere. The rural Kansas location limits internship and networking opportunities that could boost earning potential.
Financial aid reaches 38% of students, suggesting merit scholarships exist but are not widespread. Given the low graduation rates and weak earnings outcomes outside nursing, any debt you take on carries higher risk than at schools with better completion rates and stronger regional job connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tabor College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Tabor College graduates earn $54,058 annually after 10 years, which is below average for college graduates. With a net price of $19,868 per year and median debt of $23,887, the return on investment is modest unless you pursue nursing programs that pay significantly better.
What are the best paying programs at Tabor College?
Nursing programs at Tabor College offer the strongest financial returns, with registered nursing graduates earning around $59,846 annually. Health and physical education graduates earn much less at $22,771, making program choice critical for ROI.
How much debt do Tabor College students typically graduate with?
Tabor College graduates carry a median debt of $23,887. Given the school's 10-year earnings average of $54,058, this debt level is manageable but not ideal for lower-paying majors outside of nursing.
Should I attend Tabor College if I'm not majoring in nursing?
Tabor College's value drops significantly for non-nursing majors, as evidenced by the large gap between nursing salaries and other programs like education. The school's 32.9% graduation rate also presents completion risk that could leave you with debt but no degree.