Mars Hill University
Mars Hill University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Mars Hill University Worth It?
At a value score of 24/100, Mars Hill University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $44,781 — 17% below average — while paying $19,910/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.8 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 43% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 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 58% 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 Mars Hill University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Mars Hill University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in NC
Ranked #95 of 152 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 | University of Evansville | 49 | $18,499 | $53,770 |
| #3 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| #4 | John Brown University | 46 | $20,397 | $53,907 |
| #5 | Lawrence University | 46 | $23,401 | $55,789 |
| #6 | Viterbo University | 44 | $21,260 | $55,660 |
| #95 | Mars Hill University | 24 | $19,910 | $44,781 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Mars Hill University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 10 in NC.
Best Programs at Mars Hill University
The highest-earning program at Mars Hill University is Social Work at $33,000/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas at $27,500/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Social Work graduate from Mars Hill University earns $33,000, while a Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas graduate earns $27,500. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Social Work graduates carry $27,093 in median debt vs. $31,000 for Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $19,910/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Work | $33,000 | $33,000 | $27,093 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $32,300 | $32,300 | $26,616 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $27,500 | $27,500 | $31,000 |
Similar Colleges in NC
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Mars Hill, NC
- Student Body
- 1,044 students
- Admission Rate
- 68%
- Graduation Rate
- 43%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $19,910
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $44,781
- Median Student Debt
- $26,000