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 sits in a weak financial position, and the core problem is completion. Fewer than 36% of you will graduate, and only about half return after your first year. That means the biggest financial risk here isn't debt size , it's paying tuition, borrowing, and leaving without a degree, which leaves you with loans and no credential to repay them.
For the roughly one in three of you who do finish, the return is modest. Median earnings ten years out land below what many workers with no degree earn in higher-wage regions, and Walnut Ridge's rural northeast Arkansas job market limits where those earnings can climb. Against a net price near $16,000 a year, the math only works if you graduate on time and control borrowing. Median debt around $21,820 is manageable on a stronger salary, but tight against a $38,484 median.
No bachelor-level program earnings are listed here, so treat any single major's payoff as unknown and ask the school directly for outcomes by program before you enroll.
The net price tiers hold a surprise: if your family earns under $30,000, you pay about $13,498 , less than families in the $30-48k and $75-110k brackets, who pay closer to $17,000-$18,700. So the lowest-income families here actually get the best deal, while middle-income families in the $75-110k range pay the most.
This school fits you if you're committed to finishing, value a small Baptist campus, and plan to stay local or enter ministry or teaching where the degree matters more than the salary. If you're borrowing heavily, unsure about completing, or counting on a high income to repay loans, look elsewhere. The low retention rate is the number to weigh hardest before signing.
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.