Guilford College
Guilford College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Guilford College at a Glance
Guilford College is a private liberal arts college in Greensboro, North Carolina. It was founded in 1837 by members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). Guilford has both traditional students and students who attend its Center for Continuing Education (CCE).
1837
189 years old
$93M
$92.7 million (2021)
1,429
85
340 acres
Identity
Is Guilford College Worth It?
At a value score of 25/100, Guilford College is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $47,590 — 12% below average — while paying $22,270/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.9 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 47% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 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 $26,000 representing 55% 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 Guilford College has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Guilford College compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in NC
Ranked #97 of 145 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 | College of Biblical Studies-Houston | 100 | $672 | $39,260 |
| #2 | Christian Brothers University | 81 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| #3 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #4 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #5 | Ursuline College | 53 | $16,164 | $56,878 |
| #6 | Waynesburg University | 50 | $18,235 | $58,537 |
| #97 | Guilford College | 25 | $22,270 | $47,590 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Guilford College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 8 in NC.
Best Programs at Guilford College
The highest-earning program at Guilford College is Computer and Information Sciences, General at $49,400/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Sociology at $17,500/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Computer and Information Sciences, General graduate from Guilford College earns $49,400, while a Sociology graduate earns $17,500. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Computer and Information Sciences, General graduates carry $26,000 in median debt vs. $22,000 for Sociology.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $22,270/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $49,400 | $49,400 | $26,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $41,300 | $41,300 | $26,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $38,400 | $38,400 | $26,974 |
| History | $34,100 | $34,100 | $26,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $28,600 | $28,600 | $27,750 |
| Psychology, General | $25,600 | $25,600 | $25,971 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $24,600 | $24,600 | $27,000 |
| Biology, General | $22,300 | $22,300 | $25,850 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $18,300 | $18,300 | $27,000 |
| Sociology | $17,500 | $17,500 | $22,000 |
Similar Colleges in NC
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Greensboro, NC
- Student Body
- 1,001 students
- Admission Rate
- 80%
- Graduation Rate
- 47%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $22,270
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $47,590
- Median Student Debt
- $26,000