Montreat College
Montreat College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Montreat College Worth It?
At a value score of 19/100, Montreat College is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $45,151 — 16% below average — while paying $27,061/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.4-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
A 45% 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 $25,813 representing 57% 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 Montreat College has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Montreat College compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in NC
Ranked #98 of 135 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 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| #3 | University of Fort Lauderdale | 48 | $19,965 | $38,062 |
| #4 | Illinois College | 45 | $18,298 | $52,575 |
| #5 | Lycoming College | 44 | $19,140 | $56,210 |
| #6 | Boricua College | 43 | $15,245 | $35,348 |
| #98 | Montreat College | 19 | $27,061 | $45,151 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Montreat College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 7 in NC.
Best Programs at Montreat College
The highest-earning program at Montreat College is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $40,400/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Psychology, Other at $26,600/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate from Montreat College earns $40,400, while a Psychology, Other graduate earns $26,600. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Business Administration, Management and Operations graduates carry $31,417 in median debt vs. $29,168 for Psychology, Other.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $27,061/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $40,400 | $40,400 | $31,417 |
| Psychology, Other | $26,600 | $26,600 | $29,168 |
Similar Colleges in NC
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Montreat, NC
- Student Body
- 762 students
- Admission Rate
- 69%
- Graduation Rate
- 45%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $27,061
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $45,151
- Median Student Debt
- $25,813