At $19,983/yr net price, Welch College graduates earn $42,198/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,198/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,983 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $79,932 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,198/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,198/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 9.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 61.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,437/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,190/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,584/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,594/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,365/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $36,668 |
The Risk Factor
61.4% of students at Welch College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 39% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Welch College delivers weak financial returns that make it difficult to justify the investment for most students. With median earnings of $42,198 ten years after graduation and a net price of nearly $20,000 annually, you face a payback period that stretches well beyond what most careers can comfortably support.
The school's teacher education program exemplifies the core problem, producing graduates who earn just $36,668 annually despite carrying typical debt loads of $19,500. Given Tennessee's teaching salary structure, you would struggle to service even modest student loans while building financial stability. The 61% graduation rate adds another layer of risk, meaning four out of ten students never complete their degree but may still carry debt.
Your biggest financial risk here is the limited program diversity combined with low earning potential across available majors. Welch College operates as a specialized institution without the high-paying program options that could offset weaker performers. The regional job market in Gallatin offers few opportunities for significant salary growth beyond what the data shows.
This school makes financial sense only if you qualify for substantial need-based aid that dramatically reduces your actual costs. The relatively low percentage of students receiving aid suggests merit opportunities may be limited. You should consider Welch College only if your career goals align specifically with their religious education mission and you have secured significant financial assistance that brings your total debt below $15,000.
Students seeking strong financial returns should look elsewhere. The combination of high costs relative to earning potential creates a financial burden that most graduates will find challenging to overcome in their early careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Welch College worth the cost for the education quality?
Welch College has a below-average graduation rate of 61% and graduates earn $42,198 annually after 10 years, which is low compared to the $19,983 annual cost. The return on investment is weak unless you're pursuing specific programs that align with the school's Christian education mission.
What are the highest paying programs at Welch College?
Teacher Education programs at Welch College lead to median earnings of $36,668, which is still below national averages for college graduates. Most other programs at this small Christian college result in even lower earning potential.
How much student debt do Welch College graduates typically have?
Welch College graduates carry a median debt of $19,500, which is relatively manageable. However, with starting salaries around $42,000, the debt-to-income ratio means graduates will struggle more than those from higher-earning programs elsewhere.
Should I choose Welch College over other Tennessee schools for value?
Welch College offers poor financial value compared to other Tennessee options. The low graduation rate and below-average earnings make it a risky investment unless you specifically want the small Christian college experience and can afford the costs without significant debt.