At $21,241/yr net price, Wilson College graduates earn $43,326/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,326/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,241 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $84,964 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,326/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,326/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 9.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 51.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,328 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,381/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,250/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,122/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,602/yr |
| $110,001+ | $28,575/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. | Master | $54,996 | |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $32,391 | $28,000 |
The Risk Factor
51.8% of students at Wilson College 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
Wilson College delivers weak financial returns that make it a risky investment for most students. With median earnings of $43,326 ten years after graduation and typical debt loads of $26,328, you face a challenging payback period that could strain your finances for years.
The numbers reveal sharp divides between programs. Teacher education graduates earn $54,996, making this Wilson's only financially viable path. This premium reflects strong demand for educators in south-central Pennsylvania's school districts. Veterinary technician programs, however, produce concerning outcomes with graduates earning just $32,391 while carrying $28,000 in debt. This creates an unsustainable debt-to-income ratio that will burden you long after graduation.
Wilson's 51.8% graduation rate signals significant completion risk. Nearly half of students leave without degrees, making any borrowed money a total loss. The 77% retention rate suggests many students recognize the poor value proposition after their first year.
You should consider Wilson only if you plan to major in education and can secure substantial merit aid to reduce costs below $15,000 annually. The college's small size limits both program options and alumni networks, reducing your career flexibility after graduation.
Avoid Wilson if you're interested in veterinary technology or most other programs. The combination of high costs, weak job market connections, and poor graduation rates creates unacceptable financial risk. Regional public universities offer better value, while community colleges provide more affordable pathways into veterinary fields. Wilson works only for education majors with strong financial aid packages who value the small-college experience despite its costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wilson College worth the cost for the education you get?
Wilson College's ROI is mixed - graduates earn $43,326 after 10 years while carrying $26,328 in median debt. The 52% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish, which significantly increases the financial risk.
What majors at Wilson College have the best return on investment?
Teacher education graduates from Wilson College earn around $55,000, making it the strongest ROI program. Veterinary tech graduates earn $32,391, which barely covers the debt burden when factoring in loan payments.
How much debt do Wilson College students typically graduate with?
Wilson College graduates carry a median debt of $26,328. With average earnings of $43,326, this creates a manageable debt-to-income ratio for those who complete their degree.
Does Wilson College provide good value compared to other Pennsylvania colleges?
Wilson College's net price of $21,241 is reasonable for Pennsylvania, but the 52% graduation rate means many students pay without earning a degree. The school works best for students committed to teaching careers.