Allen University
Allen University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Allen University Worth It?
At a value score of 9/100, Allen University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $30,497 — 43% below average — while paying $10,972/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.4 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 13% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 1 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $34,290 representing 112% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Allen University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Allen University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #25 of 31 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Turtle Mountain College | 100 | $3,428 | $32,079 |
| #2 | United Tribes Technical College | 49 | $3,569 | $25,292 |
| #3 | University of Fort Lauderdale | 48 | $19,965 | $38,062 |
| #4 | Universidad Central de Bayamon | 47 | $4,827 | $25,021 |
| #5 | Gods Bible School and College | 46 | $9,329 | $37,722 |
| #6 | Boricua College | 43 | $15,245 | $35,348 |
| #25 | Allen University | 9 | $10,972 | $30,497 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Allen University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in SC.
Best Programs at Allen University
The highest-earning program at Allen University is Social Sciences, General at $21,400/year (4 years after graduation).
Your major matters more than the school name — a Social Sciences, General graduate from Allen University earns $21,400, while a Social Sciences, General graduate earns $21,400. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $10,972/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) |
|---|---|---|
| Social Sciences, General | $21,400 | $21,400 |
Similar Colleges in SC
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Columbia, SC
- Student Body
- 576 students
- Admission Rate
- 73%
- Graduation Rate
- 13%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $10,972
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $30,497
- Median Student Debt
- $34,290