Students at Barclay College achieve earnings that substantially exceed expectations, with graduates earning about $8,629 more than similar students at comparable institutions.
This earnings advantage, combined with manageable debt levels and strong loan repayment performance, demonstrates meaningful value creation for the students the college serves.
Barclay College is a small private nonprofit institution in Haviland, Kansas, serving students who value intimate educational settings and personal mentorship. With about 65% of students receiving Pell Grants and 40% being first-generation college students, the college provides access to higher education for many students who might not otherwise attend a private institution. The school's graduation rates show mixed results, with 55% of students completing their degrees within six years, reflecting the challenges many small colleges face in supporting student persistence through completion.
While Barclay's long-term earnings outcomes are modest compared to larger universities, graduates earn a median of $36,355 ten years after enrollment, which represents meaningful earnings beyond expectations given the student population served. The college's small size creates opportunities for close faculty relationships and individualized attention that can be particularly valuable for first-generation students navigating higher education.
For students drawn to faith-based education in a rural Kansas setting, Barclay offers an affordable private college option with net prices that remain accessible for low- and middle-income families. The institution serves a specific niche, providing educational access and community support rather than competing on pure earnings metrics with larger research universities.
Program-level data for Barclay College is limited, reflecting the institution's small size and specialized focus. The college's mission centers on preparing students for ministry, education, and service-oriented careers that emphasize purpose and community impact over maximum earnings potential. This focus aligns with the institution's faith-based identity and explains why graduates achieve meaningful earnings beyond expectations even within modest absolute income ranges.
The college's approach emphasizes broad-based preparation rather than specialized technical training, preparing students for careers in fields such as ministry, education, social services, and community leadership. These pathways typically offer stable employment and meaningful work, though not necessarily the highest-paying opportunities available in the job market.
For students drawn to service-oriented careers and faith-based education, Barclay provides preparation that translates into better-than-expected outcomes within those chosen fields. The college's small size allows for individualized attention and mentorship that can be particularly valuable for first-generation students navigating career decisions and professional development in their areas of calling.
Graduates of Barclay College see modest but meaningful long-term earnings, with a median income of $36,355 ten years after enrollment. While these earnings place the institution in the lower range nationally, graduates actually earn about $8,629 more than would be expected given their backgrounds and the institution's profile, representing a significant earnings advantage beyond expectations. This positive differential suggests that despite modest absolute earnings levels, the college adds meaningful value for the students it serves.
The earnings trajectory shows steady but gradual growth, with six-year median earnings at $35,820 rising to $36,355 by the ten-year mark. This pattern reflects career paths that may emphasize service, ministry, education, and other fields that prioritize mission over maximum compensation. For students entering these sectors, Barclay provides preparation that translates into earnings that exceed what similar students achieve at comparable institutions.
The college's return profile aligns with its mission and student body rather than competing directly with large research universities on pure earnings metrics. Students who choose Barclay typically prioritize factors beyond maximum income potential, and the institution delivers meaningful earnings beyond expectations within that context, helping graduates achieve financial stability in their chosen career paths.
Barclay College offers relatively accessible pricing for a private institution, though affordability varies significantly by family income level. Low-income students pay a net price of about $27,413 annually, while middle-income families see costs rise to approximately $34,150 per year. These prices position Barclay as more affordable than many private colleges, though still representing a substantial investment for most families.
The college's financial aid approach helps make private education accessible to students who might not otherwise afford it. With nearly two-thirds of students receiving Pell Grants, the institution clearly serves many families with limited financial resources. The aid structure appears designed to bridge the gap between public university costs and typical private college pricing, creating opportunities for students seeking a faith-based educational environment.
Debt levels reflect the college's commitment to keeping borrowing manageable despite private college pricing. Students typically graduate with about $27,000 in federal loan debt, a reasonable level given the institution's private status and the earnings outcomes graduates achieve. The college maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates generally manage their debt obligations successfully despite modest earnings levels.
Barclay College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
