Georgetown College's greatest strength lies in making private education genuinely affordable, with net prices that remain low even for middle and high-income families who often struggle with aid elsewhere.
The college's zero percent default rate and manageable debt levels create a sustainable path to degree completion without the financial stress common at many institutions.
Georgetown College is a small private nonprofit institution in Kentucky that emphasizes accessibility and affordability over elite outcomes. With about 34% of students receiving Pell Grants and 33% being first-generation college students, the college serves a diverse student body seeking an affordable private education. The institution maintains low net prices across all income levels, with middle-income families paying around $9,698 annually and even high-income families facing costs of just $19,770.
While Georgetown College doesn't rank among the top institutions for long-term earnings—graduates earn a median of $52,074 ten years after enrollment, which places the college around the national average—it provides solid value through its commitment to keeping education affordable. The college's 48% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face, but those who complete their degrees generally manage their debt well, with federal loan default rates at zero percent.
As an "Opportunity Builders" institution, Georgetown College focuses on providing access to higher education for students who might not otherwise attend college. The small campus environment, combined with reasonable debt levels and strong financial aid, makes it an appealing option for students who want a traditional college experience without the financial stress often associated with private education.
Georgetown College's program portfolio reflects its liberal arts mission and commitment to preparing students for service-oriented careers. Psychology stands out as both the largest major and the program with the highest aggregate return, graduating 35 students who earn around $27,048 in early career positions. This concentration in psychology reflects the college's strength in preparing students for graduate study, counseling, social work, and education careers that prioritize meaningful work over maximum compensation.
The college's program mix emphasizes fields that align with its mission of developing engaged citizens and community leaders. While early career earnings in programs like psychology may appear modest, these fields often provide pathways to graduate education and careers in mental health, education, and social services that offer long-term stability and personal fulfillment. The college's small size allows for personalized attention and mentorship that can be particularly valuable for students entering helping professions.
What makes Georgetown College's program approach distinctive is how it balances career preparation with affordability and accessibility. Students can pursue their interests in fields like psychology without accumulating excessive debt, creating space for graduates to follow their passions into graduate school or entry-level positions in their chosen fields without the pressure to maximize income solely for debt repayment.
Georgetown College graduates achieve moderate long-term earnings that align with national averages for similar institutions. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $52,074, placing the college around the 48th percentile nationally. While these earnings don't represent exceptional financial outcomes, they reflect steady career progression for graduates who complete their degrees. The college's return on investment centers more on affordability and debt management than on premium earnings potential.
Program-level outcomes vary, with Psychology representing the largest and most successful major in terms of aggregate return. Psychology graduates, numbering 35 students, earn around $27,048 early in their careers, which is modest but reflects the field's typical entry-level compensation patterns. The concentration in liberal arts and social science fields means many graduates enter careers in education, social services, and related sectors that prioritize service over high salaries.
What makes Georgetown College's return story compelling is not the absolute earnings level but the relationship between what students pay and what they ultimately earn. With low net prices and manageable debt loads, graduates can pursue meaningful careers without the pressure to maximize income solely for debt repayment. This creates space for graduates to follow their interests in fields like education, nonprofit work, and community service.
Georgetown College stands out for its exceptional affordability across all income levels, making private education accessible to families who typically cannot afford it. Low-income students pay just $8,926 annually, while middle-income families face costs of only $9,698—remarkably low for a private institution. Even high-income families pay $19,770, which remains well below typical private college pricing and demonstrates the institution's commitment to broad accessibility.
The college's financial aid strategy focuses on keeping education affordable rather than creating steep income-based pricing tiers. This approach means families across the economic spectrum can access private education without the dramatic cost differences seen at many institutions. Federal student loan debt averages $25,200, which is manageable given the college's focus on completion and career preparation, while Parent PLUS borrowing averages $16,471, reflecting moderate family contributions to education costs.
What makes Georgetown College particularly sustainable financially is how well graduates manage their debt obligations. With a zero percent federal loan default rate, the college demonstrates that its combination of affordable pricing, appropriate debt levels, and career preparation creates a sustainable financial model for students and families.
Georgetown College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
