Looking for colleges is such a fun time in anyone’s life. So many factors like academics, sports, and location can influence what college a student will pick in the end. But have you ever considered one of the most important factors? A school’s return on investment can be very telling in post-school student performance, and how much students should expect to be in debt after graduation. You definitely don’t want to miss the schools on this list!
These Universities Don’t Quite Make the Grade, Despite Their High Tuition.
25. St. Augustine’s University In Raleigh, North Carolina
Tuition: $120,000
For a school with less than one-thousand students, St. Augustine’s University in Raleigh, North Carolina, comes with a pretty hefty price tag. This small school is a small private one and is a historically black college. It was founded by Episcopal clergy in 1867 for the education of freed slaves.
This incredible history comes with quite the tuition. Students pay up to $129,000 for four years. Unfortunately, only 23% of its students graduate on time, so the final tuition fee is likely even higher than that. Hopefully, those are some pretty incredible classes to be worth that amount of money.
25. St. Augustine’s University In Raleigh, North Carolina
Tuition: $120,000
24. Stillman College In Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Tuition: $96,000
Private liberal arts colleges offer so many advantages, like a personalized education, small class sizes, and the opportunity to get to know your peers and professors more closely. In a state known for its big football universities, Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, offers a totally different experience.
Four years’ worth of tuition at Stillman College will cost a student $96,000. The signs are not looking good for a strong investment here; only 23% of students actually graduate. According to Payscale, the return on an investment after twenty years for students that do graduate is -$80,000!
24. Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Tuition: $96,000
23. Unity College in Unity, Maine
Tuition: $151,000
Unity College is situated in the small town of Unity, Maine. This school draws interested students from all over the country due to its unique course offerings. With climate change awareness on the rise, Unity has decided to dedicate its offerings to focus on environmentalism and sustainability.
Sounds pretty great, right? Well, it turns out that the cost of education for four years is a shocking $151,000. While studying sustainability and making our world a better, the more eco-friendly place is crucial, it does leave many wondering what kind of jobs in that sector will be able to easily pay off tuition like that?
23. Unity College in Unity, Maine
Tuition: $151,000
22. Wilson College in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
Tuition: $156,000
Until 2013, Wilson College was an all-female school. For 144 years, Wilson College sat on 144 beautiful acres in Pennsylvania, and now the school is expanding and opening its doors to all. Wilson College offers liberal arts education in a quiet, pastoral atmosphere.
So let’s get down to business. How much does it cost to attend this idyllic Wilson College? I hope you have a federal loan on speed dial because it costs a whopping $156,000 for four-year tuition. According to Payscale, the 20-year return on investment here is -$86,700. Not sure that a peaceful college atmosphere is worth it, after all.
22. Wilson College in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
Tuition: $156,000
21. Emory and Henry College in Emory, Virginia
Tuition: $179,000
This small private school is the oldest in Southwest Virginia. Do not confuse this small college with Emory University in Georgia- which boasts a 91% graduation rate and a $452,000 return on investment. Emory & Henry graduates are not quite as lucky.
With just a 54% graduation rate, Emory & Henry charges $179,000 for four-year tuition. Thanks to Payscale’s calculations, we know that the return on investment at Emory & Henry is -$91,000. So if you’re doing the math, this does not seem like the right investment.
21. Emory and Henry College in Emory, Virginia
Tuition: $179,000
20. Brewton-Parker College in Mount Vernon, Virginia
Tuition: $113,000
Mount Vernon Virginia is a small town. And we mean, a super small town. Mount Vernon consists of about 2,400 people, of which about half are Brewton-Parker students. Students are attracted to this school for its small-town atmosphere and small, intimate vibe.
Students, however, may be in for a bit of a surprise. The four-year tuition at Brewton-Parker is a shocking $113,000. With a meager graduation rate of 17%, Brewton College does not live up to its incredibly high tuition. Payscale tells us that the return on investment with this school is about -$92,2000. Perhaps it is best to look for a different small-town college.
20. Brewton-Parker College in Mount Vernon, Virginia
Tuition: $113,000
19. Shaw University in Raleigh North Carolina
Tuition $118,000
Dating all the way back to 1865, Shaw University first made a name for itself by being the first historically black university in the south. In fact, many refer to Shaw University fondly as the mother of African-American colleges. Unfortunately, this mother’s love does not come free.
Over four years at Shaw University, students will pay about $118,000 intuition. All that wonderful history cannot make up for the fact that the investments students put into this school simply doesn’t pay off. The return on investment for attending Shaw University is -$93,600. You do not have to major in math to know that’s just not a good deal.
19. Shaw University in Raleigh North Carolina
Tuition $118,000
18. Paine College in Augusta, Georgia
Tuition: $97,500
Paine College’s motto is “emerging anew” something they certainly need to do. The college is being investigated for financial matters, with some arguing it should lose its accreditation. That is certainly bad news for many of its students.
Tuition at Paine College is, well, a pain. Four years will cost you over $97,500. On top of that, according to Payscale, the twenty-year return on investment is a -$94,7000. It does not take a genius to realize these numbers simply do not add up to a good investment.
18. Paine College in Augusta, Georgia
Tuition: $97,500
17. Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi
Tuition: $63,400
Rust College is the second oldest private school in Mississippi. It is also one of the last historically black colleges still operating in the United States today. With a rich history, it is no wonder that this school has a difficult admissions process. So much so that only 43% of applicants are accepted each year.
For tuition and room and board, students pay around $63,400 for a total of four-year tuition. With a price tag lower than other colleges on this list, you may think the return on investment would be better. Wrong! Payscale reports that the return on investment at Rust College over twenty years is -$97,100.
17. Rust College In Holly Springs, Mississippi
16. Johnson University in Kimberlin Heights, Tennessee
Tuition: $89,800
About twelve miles east of Knoxville, Tennessee lies the sleepy school, Johnson University. The small town of Kimberlin Heights revolves mostly around Johnson University, giving this school a lovely small-town feel. Since its located in the suburbs of Knoxville, students can get the best of both city and rural life.
It seems, though, that the world outside of Kimberlin Heights is not so bright. Students will pay nearly $90,000 for a four-year tuition. That might be worth it if the return on investment was positive. Sadly, that is not the case. It takes most students between four and six years to graduate, and the return on investment is -$97,000.
16. Johnson University in Kimberlin Heights, Tennessee
Tuition: $89,800
15. Cazenovia College in Cazenovia, New York
Tuition: $184,000
How does a one-on-one relationship with your college sound? Pretty good, right? That is what Cazenovia College offers its students in the small town of Cazenovia. Just outside of Syracuse, New York, on paper, this school seems to have a lot to offer.
With only 915 students, Cazenovia College comes with a not-so-small price tag. Four-year tuition at the school costs $184,000. The average return on investment is not looking so bright for others. Students will make an average return on investment of -$96,800.
15. Cazenovia College in Cazenovia, New York
Tuition: $184,000
14. Saint Andrew’s University in Laurinburg, North Carolina
Tuition: $167,000
St. Andrews, formally known as St. Andrew’s Presbyterian College, is what you think of when you imagine the perfect small-town college. An idyllic atmosphere, small school, and class sizes could be worth the expensive price tag of this school- $167,000.
Unfortunately, that is not the case. Attending classes at St. Andrews for four years will get you a return on investment of -$98,000. With a gorgeous lake and a pond on campus, you may be able to distract yourself from the gorgeous surroundings. But something tells us you will not be able to shake that massive price tag and low investment return lurking behind.
14. Saint Andrew’s University in Laurinburg, North Carolina
Tuition: $167,000
13. Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina
Tuition: $124,000
Benedict College in South Carolina is one of the larger schools on this list. It is also one of the only colleges with a location in a larger city. All signs are pointing toward success for any Benedict College Tiger. This school was once a teacher’s college, but now is more of a full-fledged university.
Benedict College costs $124,000 for four-year tuition, yet only 22% of students actually graduate. Of those, they need to deal with a very poor return on investment rate. Attending Benedict College will likely put you out a whopping -$105,000. That’s quite a large debt to pay off.
13. Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina
Tuition: $124,000
12. Morris College in Sumter, South Carolina
Tuition: $92,000
With a motto like, “Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve,” people expect big things from Morris College graduates. But what happened to the college serving its students? This begs the question of what responsibility a school has to ensure its students succeed afterward. A pretty, big one, we think.
The return on investment at Morris College is -$106,800. Students who leave Morris College and enter into the workforce believe they have been armed with the knowledge to make a good life for themselves. Unfortunately, being in six-digit college debt does not sound like a great start.
12. Morris College in Sumter, South Carolina
Tuition: $92,000
11. Montserrat College of Art in Beverly, Massachusetts
Tuition: $169,000
If you are a student who excels in the visual arts, then Montserrat College may be just for you. This school specializes in the arts. Montserrat College is unique, too, in its small size. They accept only about 400 exceptionally talented art students each year.
The school’s motto, “Where creativity works” might come in handy when trying to figure out how to pay back the tuition fees. After paying approximately $169,000 intuition, most students will graduate within four to six years. The return on investment at Montserrat College is a sad -$107,400. That’s a whole lot of art you need to sell to make big after attending this college.
11. Montserrat College of Art in Beverly, Massachusetts
Tuition: $169,000
10. Columbia International University in Columbia, South Carolina
Tuition: $133,000
Columbia International University is not to be confused with the ivy league, Columbia University, in New York City. Situated in Columbia, South Carolina, is just six miles from Benedict College (which also made this list).
Columbia International University is a Christian College, also known as a Bible College. Unfortunately, there is no saving grace for this school. When it comes to a return on investment taken over twenty years, students come out with a -$115,700. Those numbers sure make you think twice about spending $133,000 for a four-year college.
10. Columbia International University in Columbia, South Carolina
Tuition: $133,000
9. Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota
Tuition: $93,300
Love sports? Good news. Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota, is a sports-centered college with most of its students playing varsity sports. This is great for those looking to stay involved in intramural sports but did not pursue athletics at larger universities.
For all those sports infused academics, students need to be prepared to shell out $93,300 for four-year tuition. It does not help matters that Martin Luther College requires that students live on campus all four years, which also racks up the housing fees. Payscale reports that Martin Luther College boasts a return on investment at a -$123,200 after twenty years.
9. Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota
Tuition: $93,300
8. Claflin University in Orangeburg, South Carolina
Tuition: $128,000
Claflin University has a truly beautiful history behind it. Way back in 1884, this school, which is also a historically black university, made serious history when it awarded Alice Jackson Moorer and Annie Thortne diplomas. This made these two ladies, two of the first black women in the United States to graduate from college- and that’s a history we can stand behind!
Something we cannot get behind, however, is this school’s tuition and its return on investment. Attending Claflin University costs students around $128,000 for four years of tuition. That’s especially a bummer given that its return on investment over twenty years is -$133,900.
8. Claflin University in Orangeburg, South Carolina
Tuition: $128,000
7. Wheelock College in Boston, Massachusetts
Tuition: $201,000
Wheelock College has humble beginnings. Known once as Miss Wheelock’s Kindergarten Training School, the school changed its name to Wheelock College when it merged with Boston University’s School of Education.
We all know teachers are one of the most important and respected professionals out there. Educating the next generation is certainly no easy task, and we can at least hope they are compensated well for their important work. Wheelock College costs a truly shocking $201,000 over four years. That is made even worse by the return on investment- which is $140,700. It will take far more than twenty years for any student from Wheelock College to pay off their debt.
7. Wheelock College in Boston, Massachusetts
Tuition: $201,000
6. Voorhees College in Denmark, South Carolina
Tuition: $97,000
Voorhees College is located in Denmark– though not that Denmark you are thinking of. This small town in South Carolina is a historically black college with a very small size. About 600 students in total attend Voorhees each year. The school has rave reviews from students, which is surprising given the return on investment.
To attend Voorhees College, you will need to shell out $97,000 over four years. Students that graduate do not fair well with their return on investment, which rings in at around -$153,400. With only 26% of students graduating in the end, the numbers simply do not seem to be working for Voorhees.
6. Voorhees College In Denmark, South Carolina
5. Talladega College in Talladega, Alabama
Tuition: $88,200
Talladega College’s claim to fame is its famous marching band. Known as The Great Tornado, this marching band regularly competes in the national battle of the bands and even performed for a presidential inauguration in 2017.
Students need to shell out a whopping $88,200 over four years at Talladega College. Now it’s time to cue the very sad, bad news. When we looked at Talladega College’s return on investment over twenty years, we found students come out at a -$156,900.
5. Talladega College in Talladega, Alabama
Tuition: $88,200
4. Lindsey Wilson College in Columbia, Kentucky
Tuition: $154,000
Championships and sports trophies line the halls at Lindsey Wilson College in Columbia, Kentucky. This school draws athletes from all around the country, looking to add competition and sports into their academic programs. In fact, many alumni go on to become professional athletes.
Athletes and students alike at Lindsey Wilson College need to pay around $154,000 in tuition fees over their four years at the school. That being said, only about 34% actually make it to graduation. The return on investment at Lindsey Wilson College over twenty years comes in at a staggering -$160,800.
4. Lindsey Wilson College in Columbia, Kentucky
Tuition: $154,000
3. Maine College of Art in Portland, Maine
Tuition: $184,000
Meca is often used as a euphemism for a place of pilgrimage that people aspire to go to. That works well for Maine College of Art in Portland, which is also known as MECA. For those looking to excel in the fine arts and studio arts, this college helps students to expand their creative careers.
Tuition at Main College of Art in Portland will cost students around $184,000 in tuition. The school claims to “educate arts for life,” but their return of investment makes us think they did not take into consideration the cost of tuition and what jobs students secure afterward. Return on investment after twenty years comes in around -$163,300.
3. Maine College of Art in Portland, Maine
Tuition: $184,000
2. Miles College in Fairfield, Alabama
Tuition: $90,200
The second-worst college on Payscale’s return on investment list is Miles College. Located in Fairfield, Alabama, Miles College is a historically black college offering students a liberal arts education. The Miles College Golden Bears probably will not feel so golden after graduation.
For those who make it to graduation, they’ve achieved a great feat. Only 17% of Miles College students make it to graduation. Those who do have a large amount of debt looming in their future. Tuition at Miles College cost $90,200 and a return on an investment after twenty years rings in at -$164,600.
2. Miles College in Fairfield, Alabama
Tuition: $90,200
1. Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena, Mississippi
Tuition:
We have finally arrived at the top school on our list. Which is actually the worst return on investment on this list. Mississippi Valley State University is well-known for its marching band and football team, but that is not enough to save the numbers of this school.
Four-year tuition at Mississippi Valley State University costs $75,700. Despite this being one of the lower tuitions on our list, it’s the return on investment that matters. After putting in so much blood, work, and tears into their academics, students are left with a return on investment of -$174,800. That’s basically a lifetime of paying off a college education. Truly shocking when you think about it!
Mississippi Valley State University In Itta Bena, Mississippi
Honorable Mention: Campbellsville University in Campbellsville, Kentucky
Tuition: $143,000
On the surface, Campbellsville University has a lot going for it. Located near the Green Lake reservoir, this school is also near a national park. For outdoor lovers, this school is a real winner.
For all that gorgeous outdoor scenery, the price is anything but natural. Students pay $143,000 in tuition. Although the school boasts a School of Education, a School of Music, and a School of Art, its return on tuition is still pretty staggering- in a bad way. Most students are left with -$76,800 twenty years later.
Honorable Mention: Campbellsville University in Campbellsville, Kentucky
Tuition: $143,000
Honorable Mention: The University of Montana Western in Dillon, Montana
Tuition: $109,000
In a former gold rush town, The University of Montana Western in Dillon seems to offer a lot to prospective students. As a smaller school with 1,500 students, classes are more intimate, and education can be more personalized. Many students take advantage of what Montana has to offer by skiing, snowboarding, and hiking.
Students at The University of Montana Western in Dillon shell out $109,000 over four years for tuition. 46% of the students graduate from this school, which is a higher percentage than we’ve seen in other schools on this list. That being said, return on investment hovers around -$71,400.
Honorable Mention: The University of Montana Western in Dillon, Montana
Tuition: $109,000
Honorable Mention: the University of Maine At Machias in Machias, Maine
Tuition: $124,000
History buffs will love spending time at the University of Maine at Machias in Machias, Maine, as it is situated in one of the towns that saw action from the American Revolution. The good news, however, may stop there.
Students at the University of Maine at Machias pay a six-figure tuition fee of $124,000. Their return on investment? A mere -$70,700.
Honorable Mention The University Of Maine At Machias In Machias, Maine