LaGrange College
Lagrange, Georgia · Private Nonprofit · 62.1% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 37/100 · Poor Value
LaGrange College scores 37 (Poor Value) on the CampusROI scale, a rating driven by a concerning combination of low earnings, high debt, and a completion rate that cuts the expected graduate pool nearly in half. Median 6-year earnings of $36,100 represent only a modest premium over typical workforce entry wages, while a 13.3-year payback period signals that most students spend well over a decade repaying costs before reaching net financial benefit. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.713 is well above the 0.5 threshold that signals manageable borrowing -- graduates carry a median $25,730 in debt against earnings that make those payments genuinely burdensome. Only 46.9% of students complete their degree, which means a substantial portion of those who enroll never reach the salary outcomes the data captures. Registered Nursing is the standout program here: 31 graduates earning $76,077 at year one and $90,392 at year four, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.342 (ROI grade B+). That program's outcomes are meaningfully better than the institutional average and represent the clearest path to solid financial returns at LaGrange. The Visual and Performing Arts program (9 graduates) reports $21,824 median year-one earnings -- a number that cannot service $25,000-plus in debt at any reasonable standard. Prospective students considering LaGrange should run the numbers carefully by intended major before committing.
The data raises concerns about LaGrange College
These metrics fall below the thresholds most financial advisors recommend for a sound college investment. Review them carefully before committing.
- ROI Score37/100 - Poor Value tier (below 45). Most 4-year schools we track score 60 or higher.
LaGrange College
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $35,400/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $35,400/yr |
| Average net price | $20,875/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $83,500 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $51,745 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $36,100 |
| Median debt at graduation | $25,730 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $273 |
| Estimated payback period | 13.3 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 46.9% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 636 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at LaGrange College is $35,400/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $20,875/year, or roughly $83,500 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $20,764/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $24,549/year.
The median graduate leaves with $25,730 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $273 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $51,745 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.71 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $20,764 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,322 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,718 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,707 |
| $110,001+ | $24,549 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Families in the 0-30000 income bracket pay $20,764 net price per year at LaGrange -- a significant sum relative to the $36,100 median 6-year earnings the typical graduate achieves. At four years of enrollment, that is roughly $83,000 in costs before living expenses. For low-income families, the risk here is substantial: the 46.9% completion rate means there is a meaningful chance of incurring debt without a credential. Nursing-track students have the clearest financial case; other programs require careful scrutiny.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
Middle-income families in the 48001-75000 bracket pay $18,718 net per year -- slightly less than the lowest bracket, suggesting the aid structure compresses costs modestly across the income range. The 75001-110000 bracket pays $18,707, nearly identical. Total four-year cost at these prices is roughly $75,000-$80,000, which against $36,100 median 6-year earnings represents a payback period of over 13 years. Middle-income families comparing LaGrange against in-state public options will generally find better financial returns elsewhere.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Families earning $110,000 or more pay $24,549 net per year -- the highest in LaGrange's income schedule. Full-cost enrollment at LaGrange demands scrutiny: the 13.3-year payback period and 46.9% completion rate do not justify premium pricing unless the student has a specific programmatic reason -- nursing, above all -- to attend. High-income families comparing costs across private liberal arts colleges should place LaGrange's outcomes data directly alongside peer options before committing.
Earnings by Major
Top 4 most popular majors at LaGrange College with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | $90,392 | B+ |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $64,584 | D |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $53,131 | C+ |
| Visual and Performing Arts | $21,824 | - |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Registered Nursing
Registered Nursing is LaGrange's strongest ROI program by a significant margin. With 31 graduates earning $76,077 at year one and $90,392 at year four, nursing represents the clearest financial case for enrollment here. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.342 (ROI grade B+) indicates manageable debt against strong earnings -- graduates carry median debt of $26,000 but are well-positioned to service it quickly on nursing salaries. This is the program that makes the strongest argument for LaGrange as a viable investment.
Business Administration, Management, and Operations
Business Administration (18 graduates) earns $37,836 at year one and $64,584 at year four, but carries a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.714 (ROI grade D). Median debt of $27,000 against $37,836 in year-one earnings creates real repayment strain. The four-year trajectory to $64,584 is better, but the payback math is difficult: students borrowing $27,000 will face payments that consume a substantial share of starting-year earnings. Prospective business students have materially stronger options at nearby public institutions.
Kinesiology and Exercise Science
Kinesiology (10 graduates) shows $53,131 median earnings at year four, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.508 (ROI grade C+). Year-one earnings are not reported, which limits the near-term picture, but the four-year figure is reasonable for the field. Median debt of $27,000 requires steady repayment discipline. Students entering kinesiology should plan for graduate school if targeting clinical or higher-earning roles, as undergraduate earnings in this field are typically constrained.
Visual and Performing Arts
Visual and Performing Arts (9 graduates) reports $21,824 median year-one earnings with no four-year figure and no debt or ROI grade data available. The year-one figure is the lowest reported by any LaGrange program and is difficult to reconcile with tuition-level debt. This program's financial case is weak by the available data. Students drawn to the arts should weigh this honestly and investigate scholarship availability, as net price reduction is the primary lever for improving ROI in this field.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 60.4% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 68.1% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 63.3% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 65.6% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 62.1% |
| Enrollment | 636 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 43.1% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $6,863 |
At 62.1% acceptance, LaGrange is moderately selective by admission rate but presents no published standardized test thresholds in available data. Admission is accessible for most qualified applicants. The more meaningful threshold for prospective students is financial fit: net price averages around $19,000-$21,000 across most income brackets, with limited differentiation between low-income and middle-income families. The net price calculator should be consulted before applying.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
LaGrange's Scorecard peer group includes Agnes Scott College, Clark Atlanta University, Parker University, Mount Mary University, and Peirce College. Among these, Agnes Scott carries a markedly stronger academic reputation and outcomes data, while Clark Atlanta serves a distinct historically Black college mission. LaGrange's ROI score of 37 (Poor Value) is below most peers in this grouping. The completion rate of 46.9% is a particular weakness -- peer institutions with similar selectivity profiles typically clear 55%-65%. Students comparing these schools should look closely at completion rate, debt levels, and program-specific earnings before selecting on cost or community feel alone.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| LaGrange College (this school) | 37 | $20,875 | $51,745 |
| Agnes Scott College | 45 | $24,754 | $56,274 |
| Parker University | 39 | $29,135 | $42,091 |
| Peirce College | 38 | $12,148 | $50,660 |
| Mount Mary University | 32 | $20,144 | $48,745 |
| Clark Atlanta University | 14 | $37,702 | $42,712 |
Who Thrives Here
LaGrange admits 62.1% of applicants, and the college does not report SAT or ACT score ranges in its current Scorecard data. Enrollment is small at 636 students, offering the intimate campus experience that characterizes small liberal arts colleges in the South. Pell grant rate of 43.1% indicates a student body with significant financial need. The student who fits LaGrange best is one drawn to a tight-knit community setting in Georgia and committed to a high-ROI program like nursing. Students considering lower-earning majors should weigh the debt load carefully against the 46.9% completion rate, which reflects real institutional completion challenges that affect career timelines.
The Verdict: The Numbers Don't Add Up
The financial data raises serious concerns about LaGrange College. With a net cost of $20,875 per year and median graduate earnings of only $51,745 ten years out, the estimated payback period exceeds 13.3 years. For most students, the financial return does not justify the cost.
Areas of concern include weak earnings relative to cost and a 46.9% graduation rate and high debt relative to what graduates earn and concerning loan repayment rates and a long payback period.
Median debt of $25,730 against $51,745 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.