Students at Greensboro College benefit from substantial need-based financial aid that makes private college education accessible to families who might not otherwise afford it.
The college serves as an access point for first-generation and Pell-eligible students seeking a small college environment with personalized attention.
Greensboro College is a small private nonprofit institution in North Carolina that serves students seeking an intimate educational experience with personalized attention. While the college faces challenges in delivering strong long-term financial outcomes—with graduates earning a median of $46,566 ten years after enrollment, placing it in the bottom quartile nationally—it does provide meaningful access for students from diverse economic backgrounds. Nearly 45% of students receive Pell Grants, and about 32% are first-generation college students, indicating the institution's commitment to serving students who might not otherwise attend college.
The college's affordability picture is mixed but shows some bright spots for lower-income families. Net prices for low-income students average around $17,131 annually, which represents substantial financial aid that makes attendance possible for many families. However, graduation rates remain a concern, with only about 41% of students completing their degrees within six years, and outcomes for Pell recipients are particularly challenging.
As a small private college, Greensboro offers the kind of close faculty-student relationships and tight-knit community that many students value, even as it works to improve the long-term career and financial outcomes that families increasingly prioritize when making college decisions.
Greensboro College's program portfolio reflects its liberal arts mission and small college scale, though specific program-level outcomes data is limited in our analysis. As a small private institution, the college typically offers a range of traditional liberal arts disciplines alongside some professional programs, with class sizes that allow for close faculty-student interaction and personalized attention that many students value.
The college's approach emphasizes broad-based learning and personal development rather than specialized career preparation, which aligns with the liberal arts tradition but may contribute to the modest earnings outcomes seen among graduates. Students considering Greensboro should evaluate whether the small college experience and personalized attention align with their educational goals, particularly given the financial investment required.
For students who thrive in small, close-knit academic communities and value the liberal arts approach to education, Greensboro College offers an environment that supports personal growth and intellectual development. However, families should carefully consider how this educational approach aligns with their career goals and financial expectations, especially given the college's challenges in delivering strong long-term economic outcomes for graduates.
Graduates of Greensboro College face modest long-term earnings, with a median income of $46,566 ten years after enrollment. This places the institution in the bottom quartile nationally for graduate earnings, reflecting challenges common among small private colleges in delivering strong financial returns. However, graduates do earn about $6,409 more than similar students at comparable institutions, suggesting the college provides some earnings advantage beyond what might be expected given its profile.
The earnings trajectory shows graduates starting at around $36,462 six years after enrollment and growing to the ten-year median of $46,566, indicating steady but limited income growth over time. About 20 graduates earn more than $75,000 annually, representing a small but meaningful group who achieve higher income levels. The college's loan repayment patterns show that about 66% of borrowers are successfully making progress on their federal loans, though repayment rates lag behind national averages.
While the financial returns are below what families might see at larger research universities or more career-focused institutions, the college does provide some economic value through its earnings beyond expectations performance. For students who prioritize the small college experience and personal development over maximum earning potential, these outcomes may align with their educational goals and career aspirations.
Affordability at Greensboro College varies significantly by family income, with the institution providing substantial support for lower-income students while presenting higher costs for middle and upper-income families. Low-income students pay an average net price of $17,131 annually, representing meaningful financial aid that makes attendance accessible. Middle-income families see similar costs at $17,363 per year, while higher-income families face net prices around $26,481, reflecting the college's need-based aid strategy.
The college's aid approach helps explain why nearly half of students qualify for Pell Grants—the substantial discounting for lower-income families makes attendance possible for students who might not otherwise afford a private college education. This pricing structure positions Greensboro as an option for families seeking a private college experience at costs that approach those of public institutions, at least for students who qualify for significant need-based aid.
For families considering Greensboro College, the key affordability question centers on whether the premium for a small private college experience justifies the costs, particularly given the modest long-term earnings outcomes. The college's financial aid strategy does make it accessible for lower-income students, though families should carefully weigh the debt levels against expected career outcomes when making their enrollment decision.
Greensboro College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
