Chowan University
Chowan University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Chowan University Worth It?
At a value score of 20/100, Chowan University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $38,412 — 29% below average — while paying $14,086/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.5 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 29% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 3 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 $29,491 representing 77% 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 Chowan University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Chowan University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in NC
Ranked #42 of 83 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 | College of Biblical Studies-Houston | 100 | $672 | $39,260 |
| #3 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| #4 | University of Fort Lauderdale | 48 | $19,965 | $38,062 |
| #5 | Gods Bible School and College | 46 | $9,329 | $37,722 |
| #6 | Wesleyan College | 43 | $12,724 | $44,317 |
| #42 | Chowan University | 20 | $14,086 | $38,412 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Chowan University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 6 in NC.
Best Programs at Chowan University
The highest-earning program at Chowan University is Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General at $27,900/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology at $19,900/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General graduate from Chowan University earns $27,900, while a Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology graduate earns $19,900. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General graduates carry $44,875 in median debt vs. $40,000 for Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $14,086/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) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General | $27,900 | $27,900 | $44,875 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $26,900 | $26,900 | $35,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $26,200 | $26,200 | $35,567 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $21,900 | $21,900 | $33,250 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology | $19,900 | $19,900 | $40,000 |
Similar Colleges in NC
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Murfreesboro, NC
- Student Body
- 603 students
- Admission Rate
- 69%
- Graduation Rate
- 29%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $14,086
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $38,412
- Median Student Debt
- $29,491