Morris College provides educational access to students who face significant economic barriers, with more than 80% receiving Pell Grants and affordable net prices for low-income families.
The college serves as an important access point for first-generation and transfer students in South Carolina, though outcomes require careful consideration.
Morris College is a small private nonprofit institution in Sumter, South Carolina, that serves a predominantly low-income student population with broad access but faces significant challenges in graduation rates and long-term earnings outcomes. More than 80% of students receive Pell Grants, and about 40% are first-generation college students, reflecting the college's mission to serve students who might not otherwise have access to higher education.
The college's outcomes present a mixed picture. While Morris College provides affordable access with net prices around $19,687 for low-income families, graduates earn a median of $30,614 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution at the bottom of national earnings distributions. The six-year graduation rate of about 20% indicates that many students struggle to complete their degrees, though those who do persist often benefit from the close-knit community and individualized attention that small colleges can provide.
As an "Under-Resourced Institution" in terms of mobility outcomes, Morris College faces the challenge of serving students who need the most support while operating with limited resources. For families prioritizing affordability and access over earnings potential, the college offers a pathway to higher education, though students should plan carefully for post-graduation career development and may benefit from pursuing additional credentials or graduate education to maximize their long-term prospects.
Morris College's small scale and limited program data reflect the challenges facing many small private colleges in providing comprehensive career preparation. The institution appears to focus on foundational liberal arts education rather than specialized professional programs, which may explain the modest earnings outcomes for graduates.
Students considering Morris College should view their education as a starting point rather than a complete career preparation program. The college's value lies in providing access to higher education for students who might not otherwise attend college, offering small class sizes and individualized attention that can support personal and intellectual growth.
For students who do enroll, success will likely depend on taking advantage of internship opportunities, building professional networks beyond the immediate campus community, and potentially pursuing graduate education or professional certifications to enhance career prospects. The college's role is best understood as providing foundational education and personal development rather than direct pathways to high-paying careers.
Graduates of Morris College face significant earnings challenges compared to national averages. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $30,614, which places the institution at the bottom of national earnings distributions among four-year colleges. Six years after graduation, median earnings are $24,250, indicating slow early-career progression that continues into the longer term.
The college's limited program offerings and small scale contribute to constrained career pathways for graduates. With only 13 students earning more than $75,000 annually in the tracked cohort, the institution struggles to connect students to high-paying career opportunities. The earnings outcomes reflect both the challenges facing small private colleges in rural areas and the socioeconomic backgrounds of students who typically enroll at Morris College.
While the college does provide a small positive earnings boost compared to what similar students might earn elsewhere, this advantage is minimal at about $418 annually. For students considering Morris College, the focus should be on the educational experience and personal growth opportunities rather than immediate financial returns, with the understanding that additional career development, networking, or graduate education may be necessary to achieve stronger long-term earnings.
Morris College offers relatively affordable access for a private institution, particularly for low-income students. Families earning less than $30,000 annually pay about $19,687 in net price, while middle-income families see costs around $22,795 per year. These prices are reasonable for private college education, though they represent a significant financial commitment for the predominantly low-income families the college serves.
The college's affordability story becomes more complex when considering debt and repayment outcomes. Typical graduates leave with $31,400 in federal student loan debt, a substantial burden given the modest earnings outcomes. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $6,600, which is relatively low and suggests that most families cannot take on additional debt beyond what students borrow directly. The loan repayment data shows concerning patterns, with very few borrowers making meaningful progress on their balances in the first several years after graduation, reflecting the challenge of servicing debt on lower incomes.
Morris College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
