At $21,998/yr net price, Wade College graduates earn $36,657/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,657/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,998 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $87,992 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,657/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,657/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 33.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 45.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,938 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $20,224/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $27,036/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $28,347/yr |
| $110,001+ | $28,347/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations. | Bachelor | $33,077 | $42,344 |
| General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations. | Associate | $25,194 | $22,500 |
The Risk Factor
45.5% of students at Wade 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
Wade College delivers weak financial returns that make it a risky investment for most students. With median post-graduation earnings of $36,657 and a net price of $21,998 annually, you're paying premium private school costs for below-average career outcomes.
The school's merchandising and marketing programs show troubling earning patterns. One track produces graduates earning just $25,194 while carrying $22,500 in debt, creating an immediate affordability crisis for new graduates. Even the higher-earning merchandising track at $33,077 saddles students with $42,344 in debt, nearly doubling the school's median debt load.
Wade College's 45.5% graduation rate creates additional financial risk. More than half of students who enroll never finish their degree, yet likely accumulate debt and opportunity costs along the way. The 100% retention rate suggests students who stay through freshman year tend to persist, but the overall completion picture remains concerning.
This school makes financial sense only for students with specific connections to Dallas fashion or merchandising industries and clear post-graduation job prospects. If you have family businesses, internship guarantees, or regional industry contacts that can overcome the weak earning potential, Wade might work. Otherwise, you'll find better returns at community colleges with fashion merchandising programs or four-year schools with stronger career services.
Nearly 70% of students receive financial aid, but the school's for-profit status limits federal aid options compared to traditional colleges. Focus on minimizing total debt rather than chasing merit scholarships that may not offset the fundamental return problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wade College worth the cost for marketing and sales careers?
Wade College graduates in sales and merchandising earn around $25,000-$33,000 annually, which is below the national average for college graduates. With annual costs of $22,000 and typical debt of $23,000, the financial return is weak compared to other marketing programs.
What is the graduation rate at Wade College and why does it matter?
Wade College has a 45% graduation rate, meaning more than half of students don't finish their degree. This creates significant financial risk since students may accumulate debt without earning a credential that improves their job prospects.
How much debt do Wade College students typically graduate with?
Wade College graduates carry a median debt of $22,938, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. However, given the low starting salaries around $36,000, debt payments will consume a significant portion of graduates' income.
Does Wade College provide good ROI compared to other Texas colleges?
Wade College's ROI is below average, with graduates earning $36,657 ten years after enrollment. The combination of modest earnings and a low graduation rate makes it a risky investment compared to public universities or community colleges in Texas.