Students at Paine College benefit from earnings beyond expectations compared with similar students at other institutions, reflecting the institution's ability to add value despite resource constraints.
The college provides meaningful access to private higher education for low-income and first-generation students at affordable net prices.
Paine College is a small private nonprofit institution in Augusta, Georgia, serving a predominantly low-income student population with 71% receiving Pell Grants. As a historically Black college, Paine provides broad access to higher education, particularly for first-generation students who make up about 38% of the student body. The institution operates in the "Under-Resourced Institutions" mobility category, reflecting strong access but more modest outcomes compared to national averages.
Graduates earn a median of $33,338 ten years after enrollment, which represents earnings beyond expectations of about $4,553 compared with similar students at other institutions. While these earnings are below national averages, they reflect meaningful progress for the student population served. The college maintains a 22% six-year graduation rate, indicating challenges with completion that are common among institutions serving high-need populations.
Paine College offers an intimate educational environment with small class sizes and personalized attention. For students seeking the cultural richness and community support of an HBCU experience, along with affordable access to higher education, Paine provides a pathway to degree completion and career advancement, though graduates may need to supplement their education with additional professional development to maximize long-term earning potential.
Program-level data for Paine College is limited, reflecting the institution's small size and focused mission. As a historically Black college, Paine traditionally offers liberal arts programs designed to provide broad-based education and prepare students for diverse career paths. The absence of detailed program-level earnings data suggests that most graduates enter fields with moderate earning potential, consistent with the institution's overall outcomes profile.
Students considering Paine should understand that career success may depend significantly on individual initiative, networking, and professional development beyond the classroom experience. The college's small size means fewer program options but potentially more personalized attention and mentoring opportunities. Prospective students should carefully research specific programs of interest and consider how they align with career goals, particularly given the modest overall earnings outcomes.
The institution's strength lies in providing access and community rather than specialized professional preparation. Students who thrive at Paine typically value the supportive environment, cultural identity, and personal relationships that come with the HBCU experience, while understanding they may need to supplement their education with additional career development resources to maximize long-term professional success.
Graduates of Paine College see modest but meaningful financial outcomes relative to their starting points. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $33,338, which represents earnings beyond expectations of approximately $4,553 compared with similar students at other institutions. This positive differential suggests that despite lower absolute earnings, Paine graduates achieve better outcomes than might be predicted based on their backgrounds and the institution's resources.
Early career earnings show graduates earning $25,240 six years after enrollment, with gradual progression to the 10-year median. About 10 graduates in recent cohorts earn more than $75,000 annually, indicating that while most outcomes cluster in the moderate range, some students do achieve higher earnings levels. The earnings trajectory reflects the career paths typical of graduates from small private institutions serving predominantly low-income populations.
The financial return on investment at Paine College should be viewed in context of the student population served and the broader mission of access and opportunity. While absolute earnings lag behind national averages, the positive earnings beyond expectations suggests the institution adds meaningful value for its graduates. Students considering Paine should understand that career success may require additional professional development, networking, and skill-building beyond graduation to maximize long-term earning potential in competitive job markets.
Paine College offers relatively affordable access to private higher education, particularly for low-income families. Students from low-income backgrounds pay an average net price of $15,133 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $20,287 per year. These prices represent reasonable affordability for a private institution, making higher education accessible to families who might otherwise be priced out of private college options.
The college's affordability is enhanced by its focus on serving Pell-eligible students, with over 71% of students receiving federal grant aid. This high level of need-based aid helps keep out-of-pocket costs manageable for the families the institution primarily serves. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $7,581, a modest level that reflects both the institution's efforts to keep costs reasonable and families' limited borrowing capacity.
While detailed federal loan debt data is limited, the college maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, suggesting that graduates are generally able to manage their debt obligations despite modest post-graduation earnings. The combination of affordable net prices and manageable debt levels makes Paine College a financially accessible option for students seeking private college education, though families should carefully consider the long-term earnings potential when evaluating the overall value proposition.
Paine College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
