At $7,349/yr net price, Wilberforce University graduates earn $38,298/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,298/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,349 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $29,396 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,298/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,298/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 16.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,468 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,606/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,908/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,244/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,794/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,684/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other. | Bachelor | $36,668 | $22,893 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Bachelor | $30,409 |
The Risk Factor
16.0% of students at Wilberforce 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
Wilberforce University presents a deeply troubling financial picture that should give prospective students serious pause. The 16% graduation rate means that 84 out of every 100 students who enroll will leave without a degree, making this one of the riskiest educational investments you can make.
Even graduates who complete their degrees earn a median of $38,298 ten years out, which barely justifies the $26,468 in typical debt. Your earning potential remains limited across all programs, with business majors topping out at $36,668 annually. Rehabilitation and therapeutic professions graduates earn even less at $30,409, creating a concerning gap between educational costs and career outcomes.
The low $7,349 net price reflects substantial financial aid, but this apparent affordability becomes meaningless if you don't graduate. With fewer than 7 out of 10 students returning for their second year, your chances of completing a degree are statistically poor from the start.
This school might work for you if you have strong personal motivation, strong family support systems, and realistic expectations about post-graduation earnings. You should also have backup plans since the odds favor leaving without a degree.
Most students should look elsewhere. The combination of extremely low graduation rates, modest earning potential, and substantial debt creates a financial risk profile that few can afford. Community college followed by transfer to a four-year institution with higher completion rates offers better odds of educational and financial success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wilberforce University worth the cost?
Wilberforce University offers a low net price of $7,349 annually, but graduates earn just $38,298 ten years after enrollment, which is below national averages. The 16% graduation rate is concerning and suggests many students don't complete their degrees.
What is the return on investment for Wilberforce University graduates?
With median debt of $26,468 and starting salaries around $38,000, graduates face a challenging debt-to-income ratio. The low graduation rate means most students may not see any return on their investment.
Which programs at Wilberforce University have the best job prospects?
Business and management graduates earn about $36,668 annually, while rehabilitation and therapeutic professions graduates earn $30,409. Both figures are modest compared to national averages for these fields.
How much student debt do Wilberforce University graduates typically have?
Graduates carry a median debt of $26,468, which represents about 69% of their annual starting salary. This debt burden is manageable compared to many private colleges, but the low graduation rate means many students accumulate debt without finishing their degrees.