At $20,540/yr net price, Wayland Baptist University graduates earn $51,838/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $17,838/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,540 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $82,160 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $51,838/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$17,838/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 19.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,106 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,610/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,314/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,654/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,676/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,518/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $53,984 | $40,085 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $44,021 | $21,875 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $35,060 | $18,056 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $27,488 | $24,145 |
The Risk Factor
19.2% of students at Wayland Baptist University 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
Wayland Baptist University delivers poor financial returns that put most graduates behind financially. With median earnings of $51,838 and debt of $23,106, you face a weak earnings-to-debt ratio combined with alarming retention and graduation rates that suggest many students leave without degrees.
The business programs show the strongest returns, with some graduates earning $53,984 annually, though debt loads vary dramatically between concentrations. Liberal arts graduates earn just $35,060 while carrying $18,056 in debt. Criminal justice represents the worst financial outcome, with graduates earning only $27,488 against $24,145 in debt.
The 19% graduation rate creates massive financial risk. You have less than a one-in-five chance of completing your degree, meaning you could end up with debt but no credential. The 48% retention rate shows nearly half of students leave after freshman year.
This school works financially only if you plan to major in business and can stay focused despite low institutional support systems. The rural Texas location limits internship and job opportunities compared to urban campuses. You should look elsewhere if you need strong academic support, diverse career services, or plan to study anything outside business.
With only 40% of students receiving aid, merit scholarships appear limited. The relatively low net price of $20,540 reflects the school's regional market position rather than generous aid. You can likely find better graduation rates and career outcomes at Texas public universities for similar or lower costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wayland Baptist University worth the cost?
With a 19% graduation rate and median earnings of $51,838 ten years after enrollment, Wayland Baptist University presents significant value concerns. The $23,106 median debt load is manageable, but the extremely low graduation rate means most students don't complete their degree.
What are the best paying majors at Wayland Baptist University?
Business Administration graduates earn around $54,000 annually, making it the strongest ROI program at Wayland Baptist University. Criminal Justice majors earn significantly less at $27,488, while Liberal Arts graduates average $35,060.
How much debt do Wayland Baptist University graduates have?
Wayland Baptist University graduates carry a median debt of $23,106, which is relatively low compared to national averages. However, with only 19% of students actually graduating, most who attend accumulate debt without earning a degree.
Does Wayland Baptist University have good job outcomes?
Wayland Baptist University graduates earn $51,838 ten years after enrollment, which is below average for college graduates. The extremely low 19% graduation rate means job outcomes are only relevant for a small fraction of students who enroll.