At $15,663/yr net price, Tougaloo College graduates earn $34,724/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $724/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,663 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $62,652 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,724/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$724/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 86.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 32.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $30,046 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,824/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,342/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,637/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,470/yr |
| $110,001+ | $22,070/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $22,485 | $36,500 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $18,771 |
The Risk Factor
32.3% of students at Tougaloo 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
Tougaloo College presents a challenging financial picture with median 10-year earnings of $34,724 against typical debt loads of $30,046. The low graduation rate of 32% means roughly two-thirds of students leave without a degree, creating serious financial risk for your investment.
The earnings data reveals concerning trends across programs. Sociology graduates earn just $22,485 annually while carrying $36,500 in debt, creating an unsustainable debt-to-income ratio. Health and Physical Education graduates fare even worse at $18,771 yearly earnings. These figures suggest limited career advancement opportunities in the regional job market around Jackson, Mississippi.
Your biggest financial risk here is the high probability of non-completion. With a 71% retention rate, nearly 30% of first-year students leave before sophomore year, and many more drop out later without finishing their degrees. Leaving with debt but no degree creates the worst possible financial outcome.
This school makes financial sense only if you qualify for substantial need-based aid that reduces your net cost well below the $15,663 average, plan to transfer to complete your degree elsewhere, or have strong family connections to the institution that provide networking advantages in your intended career field.
You should look elsewhere if you need strong post-graduation earning potential, want reliable degree completion, or lack significant financial aid. The combination of low completion rates and modest graduate earnings makes Tougaloo a high-risk investment for most students seeking positive educational ROI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tougaloo College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Tougaloo College has poor return on investment with graduates earning just $34,724 ten years after enrollment while carrying $30,046 in median debt. The low 32% graduation rate means most students don't finish their degree.
What are the highest paying majors at Tougaloo College?
Sociology graduates earn $22,485 annually while Health and Physical Education graduates earn $18,771. Both salaries are well below the national average for college graduates.
How much student debt do Tougaloo College graduates typically have?
Graduates carry a median debt of $30,046, which is problematic given the low earning potential of most programs. This debt-to-income ratio makes loan repayment difficult for many graduates.
Does Tougaloo College provide good financial aid to reduce costs?
The net price of $15,663 per year suggests decent financial aid packages. However, the low graduation rate and poor earnings outcomes mean many students struggle to benefit from their education investment.