Wiley University stands out for making private higher education accessible to students who might otherwise be unable to afford college, with net prices well below typical private institutions.
The university prioritizes educational access and affordability, though families should understand that post-graduation earning outcomes are modest compared to other institutions.
Wiley University is a small private nonprofit institution in Marshall, Texas, that serves a predominantly low-income and first-generation student population. With 77% of students receiving Pell Grants and over 40% being first-generation college students, the university provides exceptional access to higher education for underserved communities. The institution ranks in the bottom tier nationally for earnings outcomes, with graduates earning a median of $33,159 ten years after enrollment.
What distinguishes Wiley University is its commitment to affordability and access rather than high earnings outcomes. Low-income students pay just $8,970 annually, well below typical private college costs, while middle-income families see net prices around $12,198. The university falls into the "Under-Resourced Institutions" mobility category, reflecting high access but modest financial outcomes for graduates.
As a small private college, Wiley University offers an intimate educational environment with personalized attention, though families should understand that graduates typically earn less than peers at other institutions. For students prioritizing educational access and affordability over maximum earning potential, the university provides a pathway to degree completion at manageable costs.
Wiley University's program portfolio reflects its focus on practical, community-oriented fields that serve local workforce needs. Business Administration and Management, the university's largest program with 45 graduates, produces students earning around $26,933 who typically enter small business management, nonprofit administration, or entry-level corporate roles. Corrections Administration, graduating 32 students annually, leads to careers in law enforcement, probation services, and correctional facilities with median earnings of $27,048.
Both programs demonstrate the university's commitment to preparing students for stable, service-oriented careers rather than high-earning professional tracks. These fields offer meaningful work in essential community functions, though at salary levels that reflect the local job market and the nature of public service careers. The concentration in these practical disciplines aligns with the university's mission to serve first-generation and low-income students seeking direct pathways to employment.
As a small institution, Wiley University graduates focused cohorts that can develop strong connections within their fields, particularly valuable in corrections and business administration where networking and local relationships matter significantly for career advancement and job placement opportunities.
Graduates of Wiley University face significant challenges in the job market, with median earnings of $33,159 ten years after enrollment placing the institution in the bottom 3% nationally for long-term financial outcomes. The university's graduates earn approximately $3,458 less than similar students at other institutions, indicating that the educational investment may not provide the financial returns seen elsewhere. With only 19 graduates earning more than $75,000 annually, high-earning outcomes are relatively rare.
The university's two largest programs reflect its focus on practical, service-oriented fields. Business Administration and Management graduates 45 students annually with median earnings around $26,933, while Corrections Administration produces 32 graduates earning about $27,048. Both programs show modest earning potential that aligns with the institution's overall performance profile. These fields typically lead to stable employment in government, nonprofit, or small business sectors, though at salary levels well below national averages for college graduates.
While earnings outcomes are challenging, graduates do find employment in essential community roles. The focus on business administration and corrections reflects the university's mission to serve local workforce needs, particularly in public safety and small business management, even though these paths typically offer limited financial upside compared to other degree programs.
Wiley University demonstrates strong affordability across all income levels, making private higher education accessible to families who might otherwise be priced out. Low-income students pay just $8,970 annually, significantly below typical private college costs, while middle-income families see net prices around $12,198. Even high-income families pay $17,272, which remains competitive with many public universities and well below most private institutions.
The university's financial aid approach prioritizes access over selectivity, with substantial grant aid helping to reduce sticker prices for most families. This pricing structure reflects the institution's mission to serve predominantly first-generation and Pell-eligible students who might not otherwise have access to private higher education. The relatively modest net prices across income bands make degree completion financially feasible for families with limited resources.
Debt levels are moderate given the student population served, with typical graduates carrying $24,989 in federal student loans and families borrowing an average of $10,594 through Parent PLUS programs. While these amounts represent meaningful financial commitments, they remain manageable compared to debt loads at many private institutions, though the modest post-graduation earnings do create repayment challenges for some borrowers.
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Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
