Guilford College offers students an intimate liberal arts experience with strong community connections and accessibility for diverse backgrounds.
The college emphasizes personal growth and values-based education, though families should carefully consider financial outcomes when making enrollment decisions.
Guilford College is a small private nonprofit institution in Greensboro, North Carolina, that offers an intimate liberal arts experience with a strong emphasis on community and personal growth. While the college faces some financial challenges reflected in below-average earnings outcomes, it maintains a commitment to accessibility with 44% of students receiving Pell Grants and moderate net prices for a private institution. The college's 6-year graduation rate of 48% and 8-year rate of 55% show that many students do complete their degrees, though outcomes vary significantly by program choice.
Guilford's strength lies in its small scale and personalized approach to education, with programs in business administration, psychology, and health-related fields serving as the primary pathways for graduates. The college operates in the "Under-Resourced Institutions" mobility category, meaning it provides access to students from diverse economic backgrounds but faces resource constraints that can impact long-term outcomes. For students who thrive in smaller environments and value the liberal arts tradition, Guilford offers a distinctive educational experience, though families should carefully consider the financial investment relative to career goals.
Guilford College's program portfolio reflects its liberal arts mission, with business administration emerging as the strongest pathway for financial outcomes. Business Administration graduates 38 students annually with median earnings of $45,305, making it both the largest and highest-returning program. This concentration provides students with practical skills and networking opportunities that translate into more predictable career outcomes.
Psychology represents the college's second-largest program with 36 graduates, though earnings outcomes are more modest at $28,870, reflecting the field's typical requirement for graduate education to reach higher earning potential. Health and medical preparatory programs show promise with 24 graduates, though early-career earnings around $28,598 suggest these students are likely pursuing additional education or entry-level positions in healthcare fields.
The college's small scale means that program success depends heavily on individual student engagement and career planning. With limited alumni networks in each field, students benefit most when they actively pursue internships, mentorship, and professional connections during their time at Guilford. The intimate environment allows for close faculty relationships that can be valuable for graduate school recommendations and career guidance, particularly important given the college's resource constraints.
Graduates of Guilford College face mixed financial outcomes that require careful consideration of program choice and career planning. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $47,590, which places the college below typical expectations for similar institutions. The earnings picture varies significantly by field of study, with business administration graduates earning around $45,305 and representing the strongest financial pathway, while psychology majors see more modest outcomes at approximately $28,870.
The college's small scale means that individual program performance can vary widely, and students benefit most when they choose fields aligned with clear career trajectories. Business administration, which graduates 38 students annually, provides the highest aggregate return and represents Guilford's most financially viable pathway. Health and medical preparatory programs also show promise, though with smaller cohort sizes that may limit networking opportunities.
While earnings outcomes lag behind many peer institutions, graduates do see some financial progress over time, with 6-year earnings at $40,401 growing to nearly $48,000 by the 10-year mark. The key for prospective students is understanding that Guilford's value proposition centers more on personal development and community than on maximizing earning potential, making program selection and post-graduation planning particularly important for financial success.
Guilford College offers relatively accessible pricing for a private institution, though families should plan carefully for the total cost of attendance. Low-income students pay approximately $20,785 annually after aid, while middle-income families see net prices around $25,205, and higher-income families pay about $25,245. These figures represent reasonable affordability for private college education, particularly given the small class sizes and personalized attention that characterize the Guilford experience.
The college's financial aid approach helps make attendance possible for students from diverse economic backgrounds, with nearly 44% of students qualifying for Pell Grants. However, the debt picture requires careful consideration, as typical graduates leave with $26,000 in federal student loans and families often take on an additional $24,710 in Parent PLUS debt. While these amounts are not excessive by private college standards, they represent a significant financial commitment given the college's earnings outcomes.
What makes Guilford's affordability story more complex is the relationship between cost and long-term financial returns. While the upfront investment is moderate for private education, graduates' median earnings of $47,590 mean that debt repayment requires careful budgeting and career planning. Families should weigh the distinctive educational experience against the financial realities, particularly if students are considering fields with lower earning potential.
Guilford College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
