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's financial return is weak. Ten years after enrolling, your median earnings sit at $34,724 , barely above what many high school graduates make, and low enough that a $30,046 debt load becomes a real burden. With a 32% graduation rate, most people who start here don't finish, and leaving with debt but no degree is the worst outcome this school produces.
The program data makes the picture worse. Sociology graduates earn about $22,485 a year while carrying $36,500 in debt , the highest debt paired with earnings that don't cover it. Health and Physical Education/Fitness pays even less at $18,771. Neither of the top-earning bachelor's programs listed clears $23,000, so there's no clear high-return path visible in the numbers.
The biggest risk here is the combination of low completion and low payoff. If you're in the 68% who don't graduate, you carry the cost without the credential. Even if you do finish, the earnings figures suggest a long, slow climb to pay back what you borrowed.
The net price tiers hold a warning. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay around $15,000 a year. But once family income passes $48,000, the price jumps to roughly $21,000-$22,000 , a $6,000 annual increase that stays flat all the way up the income scale. Middle-income families pay nearly as much as the wealthiest.
This school fits you if the specific support and mission of Tougaloo matter to you and you can keep your borrowing low. If you're choosing mainly on financial return, the earnings and graduation numbers say look elsewhere, especially at a cheaper public alternative in Mississippi.
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.