Students at Stillman College benefit from strong affordability and access, with net prices well below national averages and meaningful support for first-generation and Pell-eligible students.
The college provides earnings beyond expectations compared with similar institutions, though absolute earnings levels remain modest.
Stillman College is a small private nonprofit institution in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, that serves a predominantly first-generation and Pell-eligible student population. With 68% of students receiving Pell Grants and 41% being first-generation college students, Stillman provides broad access to higher education for students who might not otherwise attend college. The institution's access composite percentile ranks at 92.5%, reflecting its strong commitment to serving underrepresented populations.
While Stillman excels in affordability and access, its long-term earnings outcomes present challenges. Graduates earn a median of $35,421 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution in the bottom tier nationally for earnings performance. However, the college does provide earnings beyond expectations of nearly $6,000 compared with similar students at other institutions, suggesting some value creation despite the modest absolute earnings levels.
As an "Under-Resourced Institution" in the mobility quadrant, Stillman combines high access with more limited financial outcomes. The college's strength lies in its affordability structure, with net prices ranging from $11,214 for middle-income families to $17,500 for higher-income students. For families prioritizing access to higher education and manageable costs over maximum earnings potential, Stillman offers a pathway to college completion in a supportive, small-college environment.
Without detailed program-level data available, it's difficult to identify specific academic strengths or career pathways that might offer stronger financial prospects for Stillman graduates. The overall earnings pattern suggests that most students enter careers with modest compensation levels, which may reflect both the regional job market in Alabama and the types of programs and career services available at the institution.
The limited number of graduates earning above $75,000 annually indicates that high-paying career tracks are relatively rare among Stillman alumni. This pattern is common among smaller institutions that may have fewer resources for career placement services, industry partnerships, or programs in high-demand fields like engineering, computer science, or business.
For prospective students, understanding the career outcomes and job placement support available in their intended field of study would be crucial for making informed decisions about their educational investment. The college's focus on access and affordability suggests it may be particularly well-suited for students planning careers in education, social services, or other fields where the intrinsic value of the work may outweigh purely financial considerations.
Graduates of Stillman College face significant challenges in the job market, with median earnings of $35,421 ten years after enrollment placing the institution in the bottom 5% nationally for long-term financial outcomes. However, these graduates do achieve earnings beyond expectations of approximately $5,869 compared with similar students at other institutions, indicating that while absolute earnings are low, the college provides some measurable value relative to comparable schools.
The earnings trajectory shows modest growth over time, with six-year median earnings at $29,790 rising to $35,421 by the ten-year mark. Only 23 graduates in recent cohorts earn more than $75,000 annually, reflecting the limited high-earning career pathways available to most students. The loan repayment data reveals additional concerns, with a repayment rate of just 30%, suggesting many graduates struggle to service their educational debt despite relatively modest borrowing levels.
Without detailed program-level data available, it's difficult to identify specific fields of study that might offer stronger financial prospects. The overall pattern suggests that while Stillman provides educational access and some earnings lift compared with expectations, graduates typically enter careers with more modest compensation levels that may require careful financial planning and debt management strategies.
Stillman College offers strong affordability, particularly for low- and middle-income families. Low-income students pay approximately $11,789 annually, while middle-income families see even lower net costs at $11,214 per year. These figures place Stillman in the top 30% nationally for affordability, making it accessible to families across a wide income spectrum. Higher-income families pay $17,500 annually, which remains reasonable for a private college experience.
The debt structure at Stillman is relatively manageable in absolute terms, though concerning given graduate earnings levels. Students typically borrow $29,067 in federal loans, while families take on an additional $13,513 in Parent PLUS debt. While these amounts are moderate compared with many private institutions, they represent a significant burden relative to the $35,421 median earnings graduates achieve. The college maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, which suggests students are managing their obligations, though the 30% loan repayment rate indicates many borrowers are struggling to make meaningful progress on their balances.
Stillman College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
