At $17,052/yr net price, William Carey University graduates earn $43,087/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,087/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $17,052 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $68,208 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,087/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,087/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 40.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,832 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,423/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,219/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,717/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,865/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,800/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bioethics/Medical Ethics. | Doctoral | $91,744 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $81,702 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $56,415 | $20,832 |
| Medicine. | Doctoral | $51,788 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $50,465 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $43,622 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $39,774 | |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $38,072 | |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $36,221 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $19,687 |
The Risk Factor
40.8% of students at William Carey University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
William Carey University delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your program choice. The $17,052 annual net price creates manageable debt loads, but the 40% graduation rate means substantial dropout risk.
Your program selection makes or breaks the investment here. Bioethics graduates earn $91,744 annually while nursing programs consistently deliver strong returns above $56,000. Business administration reaches $50,465, providing solid middle-class outcomes. However, many other programs fall well below the $43,087 median, creating poor payback scenarios.
The biggest financial risk is not graduating. With only 4 in 10 students completing degrees, you face real chances of carrying debt without credentials. The 80% first-year retention suggests initial adjustment challenges that compound this risk.
This school works financially if you target high-earning programs like nursing or bioethics and feel confident about degree completion. The regional job market in Mississippi supports healthcare careers but limits opportunities in other fields. Students seeking diverse career options or those uncertain about finishing college should consider alternatives.
Financial aid reaches only 25% of students, so expect limited need-based assistance. Merit scholarships exist but require strong academic profiles. Your best cost strategy involves completing the degree quickly in a high-return program, particularly healthcare fields where William Carey maintains regional employer relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is William Carey University worth the cost?
William Carey University's value depends heavily on your major. Nursing and bioethics programs show strong returns with graduates earning $56,000-$91,000, but the overall 10-year median earnings of $43,087 are below average for college graduates.
What is the ROI for William Carey University graduates?
With a net price of $17,052 annually and median debt of $20,832, William Carey offers relatively affordable tuition. However, the 40.8% graduation rate means many students don't finish their degrees, which significantly hurts ROI.
Which William Carey University programs have the best job outcomes?
Bioethics and nursing programs at William Carey University deliver the strongest financial returns, with graduates earning $56,000-$91,000 annually. Business and general programs show more modest outcomes around $50,000.
How much debt do William Carey University students graduate with?
William Carey University graduates carry a median debt of $20,832, which is manageable compared to many private schools. The bigger concern is the low 40.8% graduation rate, meaning many students accumulate debt without earning a degree.