Brewton-Parker College serves as an access point for students who might not otherwise attend college, particularly first-generation and Pell-eligible students in rural Georgia.
However, families should carefully weigh the modest career outcomes against the personal and spiritual development the small college environment provides.
Brewton-Parker College is a small private nonprofit institution in Mount Vernon, Georgia, that serves students seeking an intimate, faith-centered educational experience. The college enrolls a substantial share of first-generation and Pell-eligible students, with 46% receiving Pell Grants and 38% being first-generation college students. However, the institution faces significant challenges in student outcomes, with graduates earning a median of $42,009 ten years after enrollment, placing it in the bottom 15% nationally for long-term earnings.
The college's completion rates present additional concerns, with only 23% of students graduating within six years and 12% completing within eight years. These outcomes reflect the broader challenges facing small private institutions serving predominantly lower-income student populations. While Brewton-Parker provides access to higher education for students who might not otherwise attend college, families should carefully consider whether the financial investment aligns with their long-term goals.
As an "Under-Resourced Institution" in terms of mobility outcomes, Brewton-Parker combines relatively strong access for low-income students with weaker post-graduation earnings. The college represents a pathway to higher education for students in rural Georgia, but prospective families should weigh the modest career outcomes against the personal and spiritual development the institution emphasizes.
Brewton-Parker College's small size and limited program diversity present challenges for students seeking specialized career preparation. Without robust program-level data showing standout majors or clear pathways to higher earnings, prospective students face uncertainty about which fields of study might provide the best return on investment. The college appears to focus on general liberal arts education rather than specialized professional programs that typically lead to stronger career outcomes.
The absence of identifiable high-performing programs suggests that students interested in fields like business, healthcare, education, or technology might find better opportunities at larger institutions with more comprehensive offerings. For students committed to Brewton-Parker's mission and community, careful academic planning becomes essential to maximize career prospects within the available program structure.
Given the overall modest earnings outcomes, students should consider how their chosen field of study aligns with regional job market demands in rural Georgia. The college's small scale may limit internship opportunities, employer connections, and alumni networks that often prove crucial for career advancement. Prospective students should research specific program requirements, faculty credentials, and post-graduation support services to ensure their academic investment supports their long-term career goals.
Graduates of Brewton-Parker College face significant financial challenges in the job market. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $42,009, placing the institution in the bottom 15% nationally for long-term earnings. While graduates do earn slightly more than statistical expectations given the student body characteristics, this modest advantage of about $1,386 annually does little to offset the overall low earnings trajectory. Only 21 graduates in recent cohorts earn more than $75,000 annually, highlighting the limited high-earning potential.
The college's small size means it offers limited program diversity, and the available data shows no standout majors with strong earnings outcomes. Without robust program-level data, it's difficult to identify fields of study that might provide better financial returns. The institution's focus appears to be on liberal arts and general education rather than specialized professional programs that typically lead to higher-paying careers.
For students considering Brewton-Parker, the financial return on investment is modest at best. The combination of low median earnings and substantial student debt creates a challenging post-graduation financial picture. Families should carefully consider whether the personal and spiritual benefits of the college experience justify the limited career advancement potential, particularly given the availability of more affordable community college options or state universities with stronger employment outcomes in Georgia.
Brewton-Parker College presents a mixed affordability picture for Georgia families. Low-income students pay approximately $20,759 annually in net price, while middle-income families face costs around $23,924 per year. High-income families see similar pricing at $23,318, suggesting the institution provides relatively consistent aid across income levels. These net prices place the college in the bottom 25% nationally for affordability, meaning families pay more than at most comparable institutions.
The debt burden for graduates is substantial relative to their earning potential. Typical students leave with $24,990 in federal loan debt, and families often supplement this with Parent PLUS loans averaging $10,000. While the federal loan default rate is 0%, this likely reflects income-driven repayment enrollment rather than comfortable repayment capacity. The loan repayment trajectory shows concerning patterns, with borrowers making minimal progress on balance reduction in the early years after graduation.
Given the modest post-graduation earnings of $42,009, the debt levels create a challenging financial situation for many graduates. Standard loan payments on nearly $25,000 in debt would consume a significant portion of typical graduate income, potentially requiring income-driven repayment plans to maintain affordability. Families should carefully evaluate whether the total cost of attendance aligns with realistic post-graduation earning expectations.
Brewton-Parker College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
