Students at Barton College benefit from a small, supportive environment where graduates achieve slightly higher earnings than peers at similar institutions, particularly in specialized health programs.
The college maintains strong loan repayment performance with no federal defaults, though families should carefully weigh debt levels against the modest overall earnings potential.
Barton College is a small private nonprofit institution in Wilson, North Carolina, that serves students seeking a close-knit academic community with personalized attention. While the college ranks in the lower tier nationally for overall earnings outcomes, with graduates earning a median of $47,913 ten years after enrollment, it does provide modest earnings beyond expectations compared with similar small private colleges. About 37% of students receive Pell Grants, and 35% are first-generation college students, reflecting the institution's commitment to serving diverse backgrounds.
The college's strength lies in its intimate scale and specialized programs, particularly in nursing and health sciences, where graduates achieve significantly stronger financial outcomes than the institutional average. Adult Health Nursing graduates earn around $59,781 ten years out, demonstrating that program choice matters considerably at Barton. The institution falls into the "Under-Resourced Institutions" mobility category, indicating that while it provides access to students from various economic backgrounds, outcomes for low-income students remain below national averages.
For students who thrive in smaller environments and value close mentorship over large research opportunities, Barton offers the personal attention and community feel that many find essential to their college success, though families should carefully consider the financial investment relative to long-term earning potential.
Barton College's program portfolio shows significant variation in financial outcomes, with nursing leading both in graduate success and earning potential. Adult Health Nursing, with 34 graduates, delivers the strongest return at nearly $60,000 in median earnings, demonstrating the college's effectiveness in health sciences education. This program combines solid enrollment with excellent career prospects in North Carolina's growing healthcare sector.
Exercise Science and Kinesiology represents the college's largest program with 31 graduates but shows more modest earnings around $32,382, reflecting the competitive nature of fitness and recreation careers. Business Administration, with 28 graduates, produces early-career earnings of about $36,560, positioning graduates for steady but not exceptional financial outcomes in the regional business market.
The concentration in health-related fields reflects Barton's strategic focus on programs with clear career pathways and regional employer demand. Students considering Barton should prioritize programs like nursing where the college demonstrates proven success, as the earnings differential between the strongest and weakest programs is substantial. The intimate scale allows for personalized attention in all fields, but career outcomes vary dramatically based on program choice.
Graduates of Barton College see moderate long-term financial outcomes, with a median earnings figure of $47,913 ten years after enrollment. While this places the institution in the lower tier nationally for earnings, graduates do achieve about $3,248 more than similar students at comparable small private colleges, showing some earnings beyond expectations. The college's small scale means that program choice significantly impacts individual outcomes, with considerable variation between fields of study.
Nursing stands out as Barton's strongest financial program, with Adult Health Nursing graduates earning around $59,781 ten years out—substantially higher than the institutional median. This program combines solid enrollment of 34 graduates with strong early-career prospects in North Carolina's healthcare market. Exercise Science and Kinesiology, the college's largest program with 31 graduates, leads to more modest earnings around $32,382, while Business Administration graduates earn approximately $36,560 early in their careers.
The concentration in health-related fields, particularly nursing, helps explain why some Barton graduates achieve strong financial outcomes despite the institution's overall modest earnings profile. Students entering nursing and related health programs can expect career trajectories that significantly outperform the college average, while those in other fields should plan for more moderate financial returns that reflect the realities of a small private college focused on personal development rather than maximum earning potential.
Affordability at Barton College varies significantly by family income, with the institution offering substantial aid to lower-income students while charging higher net prices to families with greater means. Low-income students pay about $22,391 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $20,931 per year—both figures representing meaningful discounts from the sticker price. High-income families face net prices around $30,183, reflecting the college's strategy of using tuition revenue from higher-income students to subsidize aid for those with greater financial need.
The debt picture requires careful consideration, as typical graduates leave with about $25,877 in federal student loan debt, a substantial amount relative to the college's median earnings outcomes. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $20,560, adding to the total family debt burden. However, the college maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, suggesting that while debt levels are meaningful, graduates generally manage their repayment obligations successfully.
For families considering Barton, the key affordability question centers on whether the premium for a small private college experience justifies the higher debt levels relative to earnings potential. The intimate campus environment and personalized attention come with financial trade-offs that families should weigh carefully, particularly given that graduates' earnings may take longer to provide comfortable debt service compared with larger public alternatives.
Barton College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
