Students at Voorhees University achieve higher-than-expected earnings compared with similar students at other institutions, reflecting meaningful value despite modest absolute earnings levels.
The university provides crucial educational access in rural South Carolina with private college affordability that rivals public institution costs.
Voorhees University is a small private nonprofit institution in Denmark, South Carolina, that serves as an accessible entry point to higher education for students who might not otherwise attend college. With 77% of students receiving Pell Grants and 39% being first-generation college students, Voorhees opens its doors widely to students from diverse economic backgrounds. The university maintains relatively affordable net prices across income levels, with low-income students paying around $15,081 annually.
While Voorhees faces challenges with completion rates and long-term earnings outcomes, it provides valuable educational access in rural South Carolina. The institution falls into the "Under-Resourced Institutions" mobility category, reflecting high access but limited resources to support student success through graduation. Graduates earn a median of $35,339 ten years after enrollment, which represents earnings beyond expectations of about $3,176 compared with similar students at other institutions.
As a small private college, Voorhees offers the personal attention and community support that can be crucial for first-generation students navigating higher education. The university serves an important role in providing educational opportunities in an underserved region, though families should carefully consider completion rates and career outcomes when making enrollment decisions.
Program-level data is limited for Voorhees University, reflecting the institution's small size and focused mission. The university appears to concentrate on foundational undergraduate programs that serve first-generation and transfer students seeking degree completion opportunities. Without extensive program diversity, students should carefully research specific academic offerings and career preparation resources available in their fields of interest.
The absence of detailed program-level earnings data suggests that career outcomes may be more dependent on individual student effort and external factors rather than specific program strengths. Prospective students should investigate internship opportunities, career services, and alumni networks in their intended fields of study. The university's role as a regional access provider means that local employer relationships and community connections may be particularly important for career development.
Given the completion rate challenges and modest earnings outcomes, students should seek programs with clear career pathways and strong support systems. The small institutional size may provide opportunities for close faculty mentorship and personalized attention that can be valuable for student success, particularly for those who benefit from more structured, supportive learning environments.
Graduates of Voorhees University earn a median of $35,339 ten years after enrollment, with the institution showing earnings beyond expectations of approximately $3,176 compared with similar students at other institutions. This earnings premium places Voorhees in the 76th percentile nationally for return on investment, indicating that despite modest absolute earnings levels, graduates perform better financially than might be expected given the student population and institutional resources.
The university's return profile reflects both opportunities and challenges. While median earnings are below national averages for college graduates, they represent meaningful economic advancement for many students who might not have attended college otherwise. Only 14 graduates in the tracked cohort earn more than $75,000 annually, suggesting that high-earning career paths are less common among alumni. However, the positive earnings beyond expectations indicates that Voorhees provides genuine value in helping students achieve better financial outcomes than they would at comparable institutions.
Loan repayment patterns show significant challenges, with very low rates of balance reduction in the first four years after graduation. This suggests that many graduates struggle to make meaningful progress on their federal student loans, likely reflecting the combination of modest earnings and substantial debt burdens. Families should carefully consider these repayment realities when evaluating the long-term financial implications of attendance.
Voorhees University offers relatively affordable net prices across income levels, making private higher education accessible to families who might otherwise be priced out. Low-income students pay approximately $15,081 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $17,558, and higher-income students pay about $24,543. These prices are competitive with many public institutions and significantly lower than typical private college costs.
The university's affordability story is complicated by debt levels and repayment challenges. Typical graduates leave with $26,700 in federal student loan debt, while families who use Parent PLUS loans borrow an average of $11,748. Despite a 0% federal loan default rate, repayment data shows that borrowers make virtually no progress reducing their loan balances in the first four years after graduation, suggesting widespread use of income-driven repayment plans or forbearance.
While upfront costs are manageable, the combination of substantial borrowing and modest post-graduation earnings creates long-term affordability concerns. Families should carefully evaluate whether the debt burden aligns with realistic career earnings expectations, particularly given the university's completion rates and typical graduate outcomes.
Voorhees University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
