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 gives you a modest but manageable financial picture. You'll pay about $19,983 a year, borrow around $19,500 total to graduate, and earn roughly $42,198 a decade out. The debt-to-earnings ratio is reasonable: you're borrowing less than half of a single year's median pay. That keeps loan payments survivable even on an average Welch salary.
The one bachelor's program with reported earnings is teacher education, and it pays about $36,668. That's below the school's overall median, which tells you teaching here lands you under the typical Welch graduate. If education is your path, go in expecting a teacher's salary, not the campus-wide $42,198 figure. Middle Tennessee school districts around Gallatin and Nashville hire steadily, so the jobs exist, but the pay ceiling is fixed by public school pay scales.
The real risks here are retention and completion. Only 65% of freshmen come back for a second year, and 61% finish. If you're in the third who leaves, you can walk away with debt and no degree, which is the worst financial outcome at any school. Your ability to stay and graduate matters more to your return than your major does.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families the most. If your family earns between $30,000 and $48,000, you pay about $13,190, the cheapest tier by a wide margin. Under $30,000 runs about $17,437. But the jump is steep once you clear $75,000, where price climbs past $25,000. Middle earners get squeezed hardest relative to what they receive.
Welch fits you if you want to teach in Tennessee and qualify for the lower income tiers. If you're chasing high earnings or your family lands in the $75,000-plus bracket paying full sticker, weigh a cheaper option.
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.