Wiley University
Wiley University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Wiley University at a Glance
Wiley University is a private historically black college in Marshall, Texas. Founded in 1873 by the Methodist Episcopal Church's Bishop Isaac Wiley and certified in 1882 by the Freedman's Aid Society, it is one of the oldest predominantly black colleges west of the Mississippi River.
1873
153 years old
$7M
$7.4 million
636
46
134 acres
Identity
Is Wiley University Worth It?
At a value score of 25/100, Wiley University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $33,159 — 38% below average — while paying $7,092/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 0.9 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 22% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 2 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 $24,989 representing 75% 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 Wiley University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Wiley University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in TX
Ranked #19 of 93 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 | Hallmark University | 54 | $12,513 | $40,183 |
| #4 | United Tribes Technical College | 49 | $3,569 | $25,292 |
| #5 | University of Fort Lauderdale | 48 | $19,965 | $38,062 |
| #6 | Universidad Central de Bayamon | 47 | $4,827 | $25,021 |
| #19 | Wiley University | 25 | $7,092 | $33,159 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Wiley University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 5 in TX.
Best Programs at Wiley University
The highest-earning program at Wiley University is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $25,800/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General at $21,500/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate from Wiley University earns $25,800, while a Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General graduate earns $21,500. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Business Administration, Management and Operations graduates carry $25,000 in median debt vs. $33,000 for Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $7,092/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 | $25,800 | $25,800 | $25,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $25,700 | $25,700 | $29,837 |
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General | $21,500 | $21,500 | $33,000 |
Similar Colleges in TX
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Marshall, TX
- Student Body
- 712 students
- Graduation Rate
- 22%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $7,092
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $33,159
- Median Student Debt
- $24,989