Clinton College provides educational access to students who face significant financial barriers, with three-quarters of students receiving Pell Grants and affordable net prices that make private education attainable.
The institution shows particular strength in supporting students over extended timeframes, helping them balance education with life responsibilities to achieve degree completion.
Clinton College is a small private nonprofit institution in Rock Hill, South Carolina, that serves a predominantly low-income student population with significant financial need. About 76% of students receive Pell Grants, and nearly 40% are first-generation college students, reflecting the college's mission to provide educational access to underserved communities. The institution offers relatively affordable net prices across all income levels, with middle-income families paying around $12,849 annually and low-income students paying about $14,378.
While Clinton College faces challenges with traditional completion metrics, showing an 11% six-year graduation rate, the institution demonstrates resilience in supporting students over extended timeframes, with completion rates reaching 80% by the eight-year mark. This pattern suggests the college serves students who may need additional time and support to complete their degrees, often balancing education with work and family responsibilities.
The college's earnings outcomes reflect the realities of serving a student population that often enters fields focused on community service and local employment rather than high-paying careers. Ten-year median earnings of $30,180 place the institution in the bottom percentile nationally, but this must be understood within the context of the college's mission and the career paths its graduates typically pursue in education, social services, and community-based roles.
Clinton College's program offerings focus on preparing students for community-oriented careers and personal development rather than high-earning professional fields. The institution's mission appears centered on providing educational access and foundational skills to students who might not otherwise pursue higher education, with an emphasis on personal growth, community service, and local workforce preparation.
Without specific program-level data available, the college's approach likely emphasizes broad-based education, practical skills development, and preparation for careers in education, social services, ministry, and other community-focused fields. The institution's small size allows for personalized attention and mentorship that can be particularly valuable for first-generation college students and those who need additional academic support.
The college's value proposition centers on transformation and opportunity rather than immediate financial returns. For students seeking education as a pathway to community leadership, personal development, or preparation for service-oriented careers, Clinton College provides an accessible entry point into higher education. The institution's success should be measured not only by traditional metrics but also by its ability to serve students who face significant barriers to educational access and help them achieve their personal and professional goals within their chosen communities.
Clinton College graduates earn a median of $30,180 ten years after enrollment, which places the institution among the lowest-earning colleges nationally. Early career earnings at the six-year mark average $24,047, showing modest growth over time but remaining well below national averages for college graduates. The college's earnings outcomes reflect both the career fields its graduates typically enter and the economic realities of the communities it serves.
The institution's return on investment faces significant challenges, with graduates earning less than what similar students achieve at other institutions. This earnings gap of approximately $2,239 below expectations suggests that while the college provides educational access, the financial returns are limited compared to other higher education options. The low loan repayment rate of 17% indicates that many graduates struggle to service their educational debt given their post-graduation earnings levels.
These outcomes must be understood within the college's mission context. Many graduates likely pursue careers in education, social work, ministry, and community service—fields that provide important social value but typically offer lower compensation. For students whose primary goal is maximizing long-term earnings, Clinton College may not be the optimal choice, but for those seeking education for personal growth, community service, or specific vocational preparation, the financial metrics tell only part of the story.
Clinton College offers relatively accessible pricing across income levels, with net prices that are moderate compared to many private institutions. Middle-income families pay approximately $12,849 annually, while low-income students face costs of about $14,378—a pricing structure that reflects substantial financial aid support. High-income families pay around $15,514, showing that the college maintains affordability even for families with greater resources.
The institution's financial aid approach appears designed to serve its predominantly low-income student population, with 76% of students receiving Pell Grants. This high level of need-based aid helps explain why net prices remain relatively contained despite the college's private status. The pricing structure suggests that Clinton College prioritizes access over revenue maximization, keeping costs manageable for the communities it serves.
However, debt levels present concerns for graduates. With median federal loan debt of $28,987 and additional Parent PLUS borrowing averaging $9,914, students and families take on substantial obligations relative to post-graduation earnings. The combination of moderate debt levels with lower earnings creates repayment challenges, as evidenced by the low loan repayment rate, though the zero federal default rate suggests that borrowers are managing their obligations through alternative repayment programs rather than defaulting entirely.
Clinton College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
