At $33,578/yr net price, Walnut Hill College graduates earn $36,689/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,689/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $33,578 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $134,312 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,689/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,689/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 49.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 60.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,765 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $32,533/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $33,145/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $34,114/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $33,823/yr |
| $110,001+ | $34,088/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hospitality Administration/Management. | Bachelor | $42,682 | |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Bachelor | $32,391 | $27,000 |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Associate | $27,507 | $12,000 |
| Hospitality Administration/Management. | Associate | $22,192 | $17,000 |
The Risk Factor
60.0% of students at Walnut Hill College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 40% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Walnut Hill College delivers poor financial returns that rarely justify its $33,578 annual cost. With median graduate earnings of just $36,689 ten years after graduation, you'll struggle to recoup your investment in any reasonable timeframe.
Hospitality Administration represents your best bet at this school, with some graduates earning $42,682 annually. However, other hospitality tracks produce graduates earning only $22,192 with $17,000 in debt. Culinary Arts programs consistently underperform, with graduates earning between $27,507 and $32,391 while carrying debt loads up to $27,000.
The school's 36% retention rate signals serious problems with student satisfaction and program quality. Combined with a 60% graduation rate, you face significant odds of leaving without a degree while still owing money. Only one-third of students receive financial aid, limiting your options for reducing costs.
This school makes financial sense only if you have substantial family resources and view culinary education as personal enrichment rather than career investment. Students seeking hospitality careers should explore community college programs or state universities with stronger job placement records and lower costs.
If you're determined to attend Walnut Hill, target the higher-earning Hospitality Administration track and avoid the culinary programs entirely. However, given the weak earnings outcomes across all programs, most students should look elsewhere for better financial returns on their education investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Walnet Hill College worth the cost for culinary arts?
Walnut Hill College culinary graduates earn around $27,500-$32,400 annually, which is low compared to the $33,578 yearly cost. The debt load is manageable at $18,765, but the earning potential barely covers loan payments.
What is Walnut Hill College's return on investment compared to other schools?
With graduates earning $36,689 ten years after enrollment and a net price of $33,578 per year, Walnut Hill College offers below-average ROI. The 60% graduation rate means 4 in 10 students don't finish their programs.
Which programs at Walnut Hill College have the best job outcomes?
Hospitality Administration graduates from Walnut Hill College earn the highest salaries at around $42,682, making it the most financially viable program. Culinary arts programs show significantly lower earning potential.
How much debt do Walnut Hill College students typically graduate with?
Walnut Hill College graduates carry a median debt of $18,765, which is relatively low compared to many colleges. However, with starting salaries around $36,689, debt payments will still consume a significant portion of income.