At $11,008/yr net price, Young Harris College graduates earn $47,195/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $13,195/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,008 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $44,032 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $47,195/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$13,195/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 45.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,154/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,888/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,309/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,219/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,588/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $32,382 | $23,250 |
The Risk Factor
45.7% of students at Young Harris 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
Young Harris College offers surprisingly affordable access to higher education with a net price of just $11,008 annually, but the financial returns tell a more complex story. Your median earnings ten years after graduation reach $47,195, which provides decent value given the low upfront costs, though the 45.7% graduation rate means many students never reach this point.
Business Administration graduates earn $32,382 annually with $23,250 in debt, creating a manageable debt-to-income ratio that makes this program financially viable. Other majors at Young Harris show weaker earnings potential, making program choice critical to your financial outcome. The college's rural Georgia location limits high-paying job opportunities nearby, so you may need to relocate after graduation to maximize your earning potential.
The biggest financial risk lies in the low graduation and retention rates. With only 66.8% of students returning for their second year, you face real odds of leaving without a degree while still carrying debt. The $27,000 median debt load becomes problematic if you don't graduate.
Young Harris works best financially for students who can take advantage of the low net price while staying focused on completing their degree. The school attracts relatively few aid recipients at 21%, suggesting merit aid opportunities may exist for strong applicants. You should avoid Young Harris if you need extensive career services or alumni networks in major metropolitan areas, as the small size and rural location limit these resources.
This college makes financial sense for cost-conscious students who can commit to graduation, particularly in business programs, but the completion rates signal real risks for uncertain or underprepared students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Young Harris College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Young Harris College offers a relatively low net price of $11,008 per year, but graduates earn a median of $47,195 after 10 years. The low graduation rate of 46% means many students don't finish their degrees, which significantly hurts the investment value.
What are the best paying majors at Young Harris College?
Business Administration and Management graduates from Young Harris College earn around $32,382 annually. This is below the national average for business majors and may not justify the debt load, even with the school's lower costs.
How much debt do Young Harris College students typically graduate with?
Young Harris College graduates carry a median debt of $27,000. While this is manageable compared to some schools, the relatively low earning potential of graduates means the debt-to-income ratio is concerning.
Does Young Harris College have good financial aid to make it affordable?
Young Harris College reduces costs significantly through financial aid, bringing the average net price down to $11,008 annually. However, the school's 77% acceptance rate and low graduation rate suggest students should carefully consider whether they can complete their degree before enrolling.