Getting a tertiary qualification can come at a substantial cost. Hours of studying aside, many students find themselves burdened with student loan payments from the minute they graduate and enter the workforce. Because of this, Payscale compiles a yearly study outlining the return on investment based on universities across the United States. We’re happy to present you with the latest rankings, based on those institutions offering you the lowest returns based on your investment. Hopefully, it helps you keep sharp when thinking about where to apply.
25. Saint Augustine’s University (North Carolina)
While the university boasts a motto related to the truth setting you free, perhaps the same doesn’t apply when it comes to being honest about it making this particular list. Historically, this university forms part of the group of HBCU universities, but with less than a thousand students, fees are also higher than they should be.
Saint Augustine’s University
In total, a tertiary qualification from this university will set you back nearly $130 000 for four years. Less than a quarter of students who enroll actually graduate within the allocated time, with many leaving to join the workforce with a substantial amount of debt attached to their university diploma. Return on investment: -$77,700.
24. Stillman College (Alabama)
While the total number of enrolled students at this university barely cracks more than 600 at any given time, a lot of emphases is placed on their liberal arts program, which is somewhat more appealing considering the classes are relatively small. This makes undergraduates seeking a more traditional university experience somewhat reluctant.
Stillman College Tuscaloosa, Alabama
The average four-year tuition at this institution totals just under $100k, but the 20-year net return on investment comes in at a measly -$80,400. This is the case when a student ends up completing their qualification, which is somewhat of a rarity, with the college struggling to get more than 23% of their students to graduate in the first place.
23. Unity College (Maine)
The world might be prioritizing environmentally friendly products and services, but this specialized college is anything but financially friendly. A private liberal arts college in Maine, its primary offering emphasizes the study of global sustainability, social sciences and more.
Unity College Unity, Maine
While they may have learned all about living more sustainably, students may not be able to sustain themselves after graduation considering the student loan payments. Payscale estimates that this college offers a twenty-year return on investment of -$82,100. If you’re looking to enroll in the first place, hopefully joining the 54% of students who end up graduating, you’ll be around $150k in debt as you start your career.
22. Wilson College (Pennsylvania)
While Wilson College boasts a beautiful 300-acre campus in a relatively small, upscale town, it only recently “got with the times” so to speak, opening up its doors beyond just being an all women’s art school. 2013 would be a flagship year for the college, opening its doors to students of all sexes.
Wilson College Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
This may have had something to do with their graduation rate, which is only around 39%. After dropping six figures to receive your degree, the 20-year return on investment is estimated at roughly -$86,700. While few will choose to look at their education as a financial decision for the future, it can make a massive difference to your career in the long run, so doing your research and considering your options first is massively important.
21. Emory & Henry College (Virginia)
Keen not to be confused with Emory University in Georgia (which boasts almost a 100% graduation rate), Emory & Henry College is at slightly more of a disadvantage when considering their prospects after graduation. Payscale estimates the return on investment at a staggering -$91,300.
Emory & Henry College Emory, Virginia
Most private art schools are fairly expensive, but considering this one is the longest standing one in Southwest Virginia, you’ll be set back over $175,000 over a four-year qualification. Considering the school mascot is a wasp of all creatures, these numbers are sure to leave you feeling stung and sore. Perhaps this gives an indication of the low graduation rate, which only just edges over the 50% mark.
20. Brewton-Parker College (Georgia)
Quiet town student life is appealing to many students around the world, and Georgia offers exactly this. The entire town is a mere 2500 people, with half of those being Brewton-Parker students. A small-town education like this may well set you back in the long run: the estimated return on investment here is -$92,200.
Brewton Parker College Mount Vernon, Georgia
Surprisingly, this type of education could actually come with some sort of reprieve in the years to come. Many artists who got their start at small liberal arts schools have gone on to be successful, wealthy creatives. Problem is, the graduation rate at this school is a dismal 17%, so your odds are all the slimmer if you choose to go down this path at Brewton-Parker.
19. Shaw University (North Carolina
Not to be confused with Shaw Academy from Ireland, Shaw University has been around since the late 1800’s. Affectionately referred to as the “mother” of African-American colleges, this university was initially dubbed as a promising choice to get a tertiary qualification, but in recent years the return on investment calculation has made it somewhat less appealing.
Shaw University Raleigh, North Carolina
On average, tuition for a standard four-year degree will set students back roughly $118,000. Payscale’s research suggests that over the next two decades, this degree offers a return of investment of around -$93,600. High school graduates will have enough math experience to realize that this puts a damper on the idea of graduating from this historical university.
18. Paine College (Georgia)
Pain, indeed. A private Methodist college in Augusta, Georgia, things are looking dire for this university, not only from an ROI perspective but also because the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools has challenged the courts to assist with removing its regional accreditation following recent financial instability.
Paine College Augusta, Georgia
Latest figures suggest that students who fork out nearly $100k for four-year tuition at this institution nearly equal the loss value of their investment itself: return on investment is set at -$94,700. Worryingly, only a fifth of students actually ends up graduating, with the large minority “emerging anew” as the school motto suggests. Ouch.
17. Rust College (Mississippi)
Astonishingly, Rush College only accepts 4 out of every 10 applicants, and those who make the cut are generally excited to attend a college steeped in history and tradition. It is well known as the second oldest private school in all of the state of Mississippi, which makes it an appealing prospect, if you look past the graduation numbers at first.
Rust College Holly Springs, Mississippi
Students graduating from here are no different than others in leaving with a large amount of debt. While tuition here is relatively more affordable than some of the others on the list, you’re looking at around $63,000 for a basic qualification. Worse yet, the return on investment over two decades tops at nearly $100,000 ($97,100 based on the latest figures).
16. Johnson University (Tennessee)
This University operates with Christian values at its core, neatly forming part of a group of Tennessee suburbs outside of Knoxville. Attendees of this University are often considered local celebrities in this small town, out in the big bad world a qualification from this institution may leave you slightly high and dry in the long run.
Johnson University Kimberlin Heights, Tennessee
A typical graduation from Johnson University will set you back around $90,000. The next twenty years after graduation may well include a return on investment of -$97,900. Only 56% of students finish their degrees in the allotted time, many are paying evening more to get their diploma, with short prospects of paying off the debt anytime soon.
15. Cazenovia College (New York)
The name may sound “Cassanova”-ish, but there is nothing romantic about the return on investment from graduation from this Syracuse based university. Students with an interest in a small town education, joined by less than a thousand others at any given time, are drawn to education here, giving many the option to learn more about the liberal arts with an intimate, one-on-one feel.
Cazenovia College Cazenovia, New York
The experience doesn’t come with a small price tag however, as over four years you will be set back a whopping $184,000 (all things considered). You may think that this is simply a right of passage, and a part of what students are having to go through all over the country, but the difference here is that your projected return on this investment comes in at -$98,600. That bites no matter how you look at it.
14. St. Andrews University (North Carolina)
If a picturesque experience in a small town is what you’re after, St. Andrews University could be just what you need to talk to your parents about before making a decision about furthering your education. The campus is so beautiful largely due to the lake running right through the middle, and many students commune around the local pond between classes, dreaming about their futures and pondering where they may go after graduation.
St Andrews University
These dreams may soon become a nightmare, however, considering that a lot of graduates from this university have an uphill battle to face after graduation. The $167,000 price tag for a four-year qualification almost leaves you with a six-figure loss (-$98,800) over 20 years, according to Payscale. There’s no way to sugarcoat that: it sets you up for challenging financial times no matter what job you start in.
13. Benedict College (South Carolina)
Benedict College is the first institution on our list that presents a six-figure net loss on an investment after graduation. This university is located in a big city and has a large student base of over 2000. Initially established as a teacher’s college, over time this HBCU has transformed into a full blow tertiary institution, though its reputation may soon precede it nevertheless.
Benedict College Columbia, South Carolina
With a meager 22% graduation rate, the $124,000 tuition seems a little far off for most of the people at the university, with Payscale estimating a return on investment of -$105,600 in the long run. You don’t need a calculator to know that these numbers do not play in your favor, arguably making it nearly impossible to get your head above water financially after graduation.
12.Morris College (South Carolina)
Morris College has been around for over 100 years, first opening its doors back in 1908. Their motto translates from Latin to English as “Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve”, but you may find yourself serving credit institutions after graduation instead. You won’t believe the return on investment from studying at this institution, hence why it’s so high up on our list.
Morris College Sumter, South Carolina
While a four-year qualification won’t set you back $100,000 (slightly less, at $92,200), the 20-year number in terms of returns comes in at a staggering -$106,800. For many, this means that the four years of studies will be the best years of their lives (especially as they won’t be burdened with debt just quite yet), making the most of it seems like the best choice in the long run.
11. Montserrat College of Art (Massachusetts)
Montserrat offers budding young artists a glimpse into the world that awaits them, boasting a pristine campus for creatives from all walks of life. Typically, the school focuses on exceptionally skilled students, especially those using visual arts as their primary means of communication. As with many creative careers, the average returns are applicable to the masses, with only a handful cracking it into the world of big-time art sales.
Montserrat College Of Art Beverly, Massachusetts
More than 50% of students graduate from this school by the time six years have come and gone, leaving the outgoing class with an average return on investment at -$107,400. Tuition can set you back anywhere upwards of $169,000, and it only gets worse if you extend your studies beyond the initial period. Worth the risk? For some, perhaps.
10. Columbia International University (South Carolina)
South Carolina based colleges just can’t seem to catch a break. A few miles from some of our others on this list, Columbia International University is no better than some of its counterparts, with a return on investment that will make you shake your head.
Columbia International University Columbia, South Carolina
Often mistaken for Columbia University in New York (which is an Ivy League School), this institution actually has roots dating back to the early 1920’s, and is traditionally a Christian college. Historically, the undergraduate programs used to be called “Bible College”, which was changed due to inclusivity issues and marketing related problems. Tuition here will set you back over $130k, and the return of investment does little to quell the issue: PayScale estimates it at -$115,700 over two decades.
9. Martin Luther College (Minnesota)
We can speculate as to whether Martin Luther’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech envisioned a university system with projected investment losses of over $100 000 for graduates. At his namesake College, this is the case, regardless of it being a sports-mad institution providing prospects for professional athletes to refine their craft and get an education too.
Martin Luther College New Ulm, Minnesota
Martin Luther College will set you back around $93,000 over the four year period of living and studying at the institution, with projected returns on investment capping out at over -$120,000. This means you are effectively making a loss by studying at this university if you end up in an average paying job after graduation.
8. Claflin University (South Carolina)
Now getting deeper into the Top 10, Claflin University had a bright future when it started as a history-making university back in 1884. Alice Jackson Moorer and Annie Thorne were the first two black women in the US who graduate from college, which created a sentiment among a formerly oppressed community to have access to the same level of education as others. It’s a pity that Claflin could not maintain this standard throughout the next 125 years.
Claflin University Orangeburg, South Carolina
These days, the reputation of the institution has dwindled. A decent amount of Panthers actually end up graduating, having spent $128,000 intuition. Payscale estimates that these qualifications set you back -$133,900 over 20 years, which can mean a net loss if you’re paying for tuition out of your own pockets.
7. Wheelock College (Massachusetts)
When Wheelock was started, it was a school designed to train up future kindergarten teachers. This was not to be the long term strategy, as shortly after it merged with Boston University’s School of Education. The school was renamed to what it is called today and now forms part of a system offering all types of education to excited undergraduates wishing to become teachers.
Wheelock College Boston, Massachusetts
It’s no surprise that teachers are some of the worst paid workers in the country, so you can imagine that the return on investment on education at a school focused on providing teachers is somewhat dismal. It doesn’t help that Wheelock’s cost of tuition is astonishingly high at $201,000 for a four-year qualification. Typically, a teacher will see a return of -$140,700 in the twenty years to follow, likely never recover from this amount of debt.
6. Voorhees College (South Carolina)
This college is located in a little known town called Denmark (not the country!), right in the heart of South Carolina. With a student roster of around 600, students typically have a great experience at this institution, regardless of the fact that for many, this doesn’t result in graduation and finding a job that can sustain them over the long run.
Voorhees College Denmark, South Carolina
Only 26% of students make it to diploma day at this university, and those that do are stuck with a debt of around $97,000. While it may seem manageable to pay this off over a long period of time, within two decades your return on investment from graduation at Voorhees is a measly -$153,400. This leaves it just out of the Top 5 in our list.
5. Talladega College (Alabama)
Talladega College is known across the country for its marching band, which is revered for winning national competitions year after year. Many musicians dream about playing for the Great Tornado Marching Band, especially since they got to perform at the presidential inauguration parade a couple of years ago too. Not too shabby!
Talladega College Talladega, Alabama
Unfortunately, when looking at the bigger picture and what you’re getting out of a qualification from Talladega, they likely won’t be making much noise about the results. 43% of students that graduate having paid the $88,200 tuition can expect a -$156,900 return on investment over the next two decades. It sounds a little tragic like the music played on the Titanic while it was sinking.
4.Lindsey Wilson College (Kentucky)
Athletes flock to Lindsey Wilson College, largely because of its wide range of choices of sports to compete in, and also because it is home to many championship trophies from across the States. The school even boasts a couple of alumni who have gone on to have successful careers in sports, particularly in cycling and women’s soccer.
Lindsey Wilson College
For the average student, however, who forms part of the 34% graduation rate and paying over $150,000 intuition, the financial ends may be less beneficial. Expect a loss of $160,800 on your “investment” over the span of twenty years if you study at this university, ultimately leaving you somewhat sidelined from the main game.
3. Maine College of Art (Maine)
New England has a bustling art crowd and is popular for its educational resources, particularly at MECA (Maine College of Art). Many young artists looking to refine their craft and take their studio art to new heights, while completing a four-year qualification.
Maine College Of Art Portland, Maine
The school promises to provide education to students to span across their lifetimes, but this seems to come with little consideration for their financial futures. At a whopping $184,000 in tuition, Payscale estimates that the average graduate from this school will see a return on their investment of about -$163,600. That’s a staggering 10% on the investment each year, over the two decades following graduation.
2. Miles College (Alabama)
Second, to the top of our list, Miles College is one of the many Liberal Arts colleges on our list to avoid. While the Golden Bears may have many gold medals under their belt, the reputation of the school as a viable financial option for your future is somewhat jeopardized by the Payscale estimates on return on investment.
Miles College Fairfield, Alabama
Another important factor to consider is that only 17% of students enrolling in the school actually make it to wearing their graduation outfits four years later. $90,200 in tuition and other costs aside, the estimates suggest the 20 year ROI at about -$164,600. If you’re seriously considering this institution, just like our number one on the list, you may want to explore some other options.
1. Mississippi Valley State University (Mississippi)
You’ll be shocked to learn that one university, in particular, presents a return of investment creeping ever close to the -$200k mark. Take a second to take a breath, and remember that Mississippi Valley State is actually well known for its football team and marching band, both of which perform relatively well on the national level. Some professional athletes have even made their way into careers from this school, though this number is largely in the minority.
Mississippi Valley State University (Mississippi)
MVSU has topped this list as according to Payscale, the $75,700 tuition ultimately becomes a return on investment of about -$174,800 in the two decades to follow. This means that you are losing nearly $100,000 on your investment in the long run when you attend this university.
Keep on reading to see the campuses who didn’t make the cut but are definitely worth mention.
Honorable Mention: Campbellsville University (Kentucky)
Campbellsville University
Near the Green Lake and luscious state park, Campbellsville is a well known Baptist-affiliated university that seems perfect for students wishing to have a more connected experience with nature in their four years of study. With a wide curriculum spanning mostly Education and the Arts, the University is popular among creatives.
Some are drawn to this university and the town itself, purely because President Lincoln was born here. Surface value aside, from a financial perspective this university is lucky not to have made our list formally. $143,000 for tuition eventually turns into -$76,800 over the span of twenty years, with most students struggling to get by and crippled with debt after graduation.
Honorable Mention: The University of Montana Western (Montana)
The University Of Montana Western
Montana is one of the most beautiful regions in the country, offering residents the chance to go hiking, skiing or even snowmobiling after classes. The University of Montana may present a picturesque view, but there is certainly more for you to consider before deciding to enroll in one of their formal courses or qualifications. It helps that you have a lot of access to your professors in such a small town, but it pays not to be shortsighted when it comes to a small-town education. This university is just shy of our list of the Top 25 universities that you shouldn’t consider from a financial perspective, getting an honorable mention only as the majority of students who graduate (46%) may end up with a loss of over $70,000 in terms of long-term return on investment.
Honorable Mention: University of Maine at Machias (Maine)
University Of Maine At Machias
Maine is traditionally a historically rich area, especially when it comes to what we learn about the American Revolution in schools. A financial revolution may be in order after you see the return on an investment relative to attending the University of Maine at Machias.
A quarter to students who start studying here actually end up graduating after four years. While from a PR perspective the school is doing a good job to uphold their image, especially having been ranked in a recent list of top public comprehensive campuses in the northeast, something tells us that finances didn’t factor into the decision. A $124,000 tuition investment results in a -$70,700 return over the long run. Yikes.
Honorable Mention: Emmanuel College (Georgia)
Emmanuel College
Religion runs deep in Georgia, especially so at Emmanuel College, which is over 100 years old. With a direct link to the International Pentecostal Holiness Church, the institution offers a wide range of courses related to more than just education and fine arts. All courses do have somewhat of a religious leaning, however, which is something to keep in mind before you apply.
Religion aside, the school also offers great sports programs, which to many are a drawing factor when deciding which college to attend. 28% of students who end up graduating pay $112,000 in tuition fees, resulting in a return on investment of -$70,600 across the twenty years to follow. Certainly not something to shout about in church on Sunday.
Honorable Mention: Davis & Elkins College (West Virginia)
Davis & Elkins College
One of the more rural Liberal Arts schools on our list, Davis & Elkins College is situated in the middle of a town known for its touristic festivals transcending a variety of music genres. This is the kind of institution that has roughly ten students per professor, so if an intimate experience is what you’re after, this might just be one of the many small universities to look at.
This can come at somewhat of a hefty price tag, however. A private college with yearly fees of over $40,000, a four-year qualification can ultimately result in a net loss on investment of $66,000. This implies that you’re paying for an additional year and a half of studies, even while you’re working to pay back the debt accrued in student loans. Not our idea of fun.
Honorable Mention: University of South Carolina Aiken (South Carolina)
University Of South Carolina Aiken
Typically, the University of South Carolina Aiken is considered to be one of the fastest-growing schools in the district. With graduate and undergraduate offerings, it even ranks highly on various national polls tallying regional options for families to consider when they have a child headed to college. So what’s going wrong here?
Financially, the implications are in another realm, unfortunately. Reputation aside, after forking out $130k for a degree, you’ll likely lose out on your investment by about $66,000 over a twenty-year span. This is nearly half of what you paid, and the actual number could be even worse if you factor inflation and economic challenges into the equation. This puts a damper on future prospects for sure.
Honorable Mention: University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (Oklahoma)
University Of Science And Arts Of Oklahoma
With a fairytale-like campus, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma boasts an impressive history dating back a century ago, when it was a college for women. Early views had this dubbed as a reform school, but soon, it turned into the historical institution it is today, with many buildings even being popular tourist sights, having been registered as historic American sites.
If a good academic curriculum is what you’re after, this university certainly comes close to the top of the list. Few contemplate the fact that you’re giving up some financial liberties to be able to study here, especially having to pay nearly $100k just to complete your qualifications. Payscale estimates that the twenty-year return on investment for this university comes in at a meager -$65,500.
Honorable Mention: University of Montevallo (Alabama)
University Of Montevallo
U.S. News & World Report called this university the #1 ranked public university in Alabama for its master’s program. The site of the institution is also riddled with pre-Civil War buildings, and the scenic campus life is alluring to many students from all walks of life. Google “Life Raft Debate Alabama” if you want to learn more about some of the quirky traditions related to this university.
Behind the scenes, the tradition attached to getting a qualification from this university comes at somewhat of a cost to your finances. As with most things, there are drawbacks attached, but few will have crunched the numbers to match tuition to future earnings potential. Having paid $143,000 in total, the likely return on investment will be around -$64,100 if you’re an average graduate from this institution.
Honorable Mention: Florida Memorial University (Florida)
Florida Memorial University
First opening their doors in the late 1800’s, this historic university has seen some location changes over the years, settling more recently in Florida in 1968. Not dissimilarly to other universities in the area, this one has an American Baptist leaning and has strong affiliations with this particular branch of theology.
Known for its wide array of programs, the school is smart with their marketing, offering the local community the chance to register for pre-college courses in the build-up to University life. $109,000 later and you’re expected to earn a return on investment of -$64,000, which doesn’t feel good, regardless of the PR spin you put on it.
Honorable Mention: The Baptist College of Florida
The Baptist College Of Florida
Last but not least, the Baptist College of Florida gets an honorable mention on our list. Small towns are inviting for tertiary qualifications, and Graceville is no different.
With easy access to faculty members and a relatively small student to professor ratio, you’d think that this school is the perfect opportunity to get an education while enhancing your Baptist faith. This may be true in a practical sense, but you may be left high and dry in a financial sense. $68,500 in tuition could result in a return of investment of -$63,400, putting a damper on your future prospects regardless of how strong your faith may be.