At $23,906/yr net price, Union College graduates earn $42,002/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,002/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,906 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $95,624 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,002/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,002/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 12 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 36.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,372/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,306/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $25,500/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $44,375/yr |
| $110,001+ | $44,375/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 | $56,415 | $15,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $29,685 | |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $24,035 |
The Risk Factor
36.0% of students at Union 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
Union College presents a challenging financial picture with median earnings of $42,002 ten years after graduation against a net price of $23,906 annually. The investment becomes particularly concerning when you consider the 36% graduation rate, meaning nearly two-thirds of students who enroll never finish their degree.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner at Union, with graduates earning $56,415 while carrying just $15,000 in debt. This program offers legitimate career preparation in a field with strong regional demand in Kentucky's healthcare sector. However, education majors face steep financial headwinds with earnings of just $29,685, well below the national average for teachers and insufficient given Kentucky's modest teacher salaries.
The retention rate of 57.5% signals significant academic or financial struggles that force students to leave. If you transfer or drop out, you lose both time and money with no degree to show for it. The median debt of $24,250 becomes particularly burdensome when paired with the low median earnings across most programs.
Union makes financial sense primarily if you plan to pursue nursing and can commit to completing the program. The combination of reasonable debt levels and strong earning potential in that field creates a viable return. For other majors, especially education and physical fitness programs, your money would likely generate better returns elsewhere.
With over half of students receiving financial aid, Union appears willing to negotiate on price. Focus your efforts on securing maximum grant aid rather than loans, and seriously evaluate whether you have the academic preparation and financial resources to persist through graduation before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Union College in Barbourville, KY worth the cost?
Union College's value depends heavily on your major. Nursing graduates earn $56,415 annually while education majors average just $29,685, both starting from a $24,000 debt load and $96,000 total cost.
What is Union College's return on investment compared to other schools?
Union College graduates earn $42,002 ten years after enrollment, which is below the national average for four-year colleges. The 36% graduation rate means nearly two-thirds of students don't finish their degree.
Does Union College provide good financial aid to make it affordable?
The average net price at Union College is $23,906 per year after aid. Students typically graduate with $24,250 in debt, which is manageable for nursing majors but challenging for lower-earning fields like education.
Which Union College programs offer the best job prospects after graduation?
Registered Nursing is Union College's strongest program with graduates earning $56,415 annually. Education and fitness programs pay significantly less at around $25,000-30,000 per year.