Students at Bryn Athyn College benefit from exceptionally strong financial aid that makes private education affordable across income levels, with particularly generous support for low-income families.
The college's zero percent default rate demonstrates that graduates can successfully manage their educational debt despite modest earnings, reflecting sustainable affordability practices.
Bryn Athyn College of the New Church is a small private nonprofit institution in Pennsylvania that prioritizes accessibility and affordability over high earnings outcomes. With nearly half of students receiving Pell Grants and about one-third being first-generation college students, the college serves a diverse population seeking higher education opportunities. The institution keeps net prices relatively low across income levels, with low-income students paying around $13,261 annually and middle-income families paying approximately $16,549.
While Bryn Athyn's graduates earn a median of $40,457 ten years after enrollment, which places the college in the bottom 10% nationally for earnings outcomes, the institution's value proposition centers on providing accessible education at manageable costs. The college's small size creates an intimate learning environment where students receive personalized attention and support throughout their academic journey.
For families seeking an affordable private college experience without the pressure of high debt loads, Bryn Athyn offers a distinctive alternative. The institution's commitment to serving first-generation and Pell-eligible students, combined with reasonable net prices and a supportive campus environment, makes it a viable option for students who prioritize educational access and community over maximum earning potential.
Bryn Athyn College's program offerings reflect its mission as a small, specialized institution focused on liberal arts education and personal development rather than high-earning professional fields. The college's intimate size allows for personalized attention and mentorship opportunities that may not be available at larger institutions, though this comes with limited program diversity compared to comprehensive universities.
The absence of traditional high-earning majors like engineering, computer science, or business administration contributes to the college's modest earnings outcomes but aligns with its educational philosophy emphasizing personal growth and service. Students typically pursue fields that prioritize meaning and community impact over maximum financial returns, which explains both the lower earnings and the strong sense of purpose many graduates report.
For students considering Bryn Athyn, the value proposition lies in the quality of the educational experience rather than the breadth of program options. The college's small size ensures that students receive individualized attention and develop close relationships with faculty, creating opportunities for mentorship and personal development that can be valuable throughout their careers, even if not immediately reflected in salary figures.
Graduates of Bryn Athyn College earn a median of $40,457 ten years after enrollment, which places the institution in the bottom 10% nationally for long-term earnings outcomes. This reflects the college's focus on providing accessible education rather than maximizing financial returns. The earnings performance suggests that students should view their investment primarily through the lens of personal and educational growth rather than purely financial metrics.
The college's small size and limited program offerings contribute to these modest earnings outcomes. Without a robust array of high-earning professional programs like engineering, business, or computer science, graduates typically enter fields that prioritize service and personal fulfillment over maximum compensation. The loan repayment rate of about 72% indicates that while earnings are modest, most graduates are able to service their educational debt, though the timeline for full repayment may be extended compared to higher-earning institutions.
For students considering Bryn Athyn, the return on investment should be evaluated in terms of the complete college experience rather than purely financial metrics. The personalized education, small class sizes, and supportive community may provide intangible benefits that justify the investment for students who value these qualities over maximum earning potential.
Bryn Athyn College demonstrates strong affordability across income levels, making private higher education accessible to families who might otherwise be priced out. Low-income students pay approximately $13,261 per year, while middle-income families face annual costs around $16,549, and even high-income families pay a relatively modest $25,939. These net prices represent significant discounts from the sticker price and place the college in a competitive position among private institutions.
The college's commitment to affordability is further evidenced by its substantial financial aid programs that help nearly half of all students, including a significant population of Pell Grant recipients. Federal student loan debt averages $22,250, which is manageable given the institution's focus on keeping overall costs reasonable. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $19,083, indicating that families are not taking on excessive debt to finance their students' education.
With a 0% federal loan default rate, Bryn Athyn demonstrates that its graduates, despite modest earnings, are generally able to meet their loan obligations. This suggests that the college's affordability model works effectively for its student population, providing access to higher education without creating unsustainable debt burdens that could harm graduates' long-term financial stability.
Bryn Athyn College Of The New Church Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
