At $15,875/yr net price, Williams Baptist University graduates earn $38,484/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,484/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,875 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $63,500 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,484/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,484/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 14.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 35.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,820 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,498/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,882/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,728/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,651/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,456/yr |
The Risk Factor
35.9% of students at Williams 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
Williams Baptist University delivers poor financial returns that should concern prospective students. With median earnings of $38,484 ten years after graduation, you'll struggle to justify the investment even at the relatively low net price of $15,875 annually.
The 35.9% graduation rate reveals the core problem. More than six out of ten students who enroll never finish their degree, leaving them with debt but no credential. The 49.7% retention rate means half of freshmen don't return for sophomore year, suggesting either poor academic preparation or financial strain forces early exits.
Your debt burden of $21,820 at graduation appears manageable until you consider the earnings potential. The typical graduate earns less than $40,000 annually, making loan repayment challenging in Arkansas's lower-wage economy. Rural Walnut Ridge offers limited high-paying job opportunities, forcing many graduates to relocate for better salaries.
Williams Baptist works financially only for students receiving substantial need-based aid who plan to stay in Arkansas long-term. The school serves its local community but doesn't provide the economic mobility most families seek from college. Students with stronger academic profiles should pursue options with higher graduation rates and better earnings outcomes.
Consider Williams Baptist only if you qualify for significant financial aid that reduces your out-of-pocket costs below $10,000 annually. Otherwise, community college followed by transfer to a state university provides better value and higher completion rates. The school's religious mission may appeal to some families, but the financial fundamentals remain weak regardless of personal fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Williams Baptist University worth the cost?
Williams Baptist University's graduates earn a median of $38,484 ten years after graduation, which is below the national average for college graduates. With a net price of $15,875 annually and median debt of $21,820, the return on investment is modest but manageable for students who complete their degree.
What is Williams Baptist University's graduation rate and why does it matter?
Williams Baptist University has a 35.9% graduation rate, meaning about two-thirds of students don't finish their degree. This significantly impacts ROI since students who don't graduate often still carry debt without the earning benefits of a college degree.
How much debt do Williams Baptist University graduates typically have?
Williams Baptist University graduates have a median debt of $21,820, which is below the national average. Given the school's relatively low tuition costs, this debt load is reasonable if students complete their degree and find steady employment.
Which programs at Williams Baptist University offer the best return on investment?
Williams Baptist University is a small liberal arts college, so specific program earnings data is limited. Students should research job placement rates and starting salaries for their intended major, as outcomes can vary significantly between fields like education, business, and ministry programs.