Image Source: 123rf.com
There’s no question that higher education in the United States comes with a hefty price tag, but for some colleges, the return on investment just doesn’t add up. While brand recognition and prestige might lure students in, the actual payoff after graduation often tells a different story. It’s not just about tuition costs—it’s also about job prospects, alumni networks, and long-term value.
In an age where student debt can haunt graduates for decades, it’s worth asking: are some schools charging Ivy League prices without delivering Ivy League results?
New York University (NYU)
Located in the heart of Manhattan, NYU is one of the most expensive private universities in the country. The appeal is obvious—an exciting urban campus and global reputation—but the price tag can exceed $80,000 a year with room and board. Despite its prestige, many of NYU’s programs, particularly in liberal arts and communications, don’t lead to high-paying jobs after graduation.
Students often find themselves saddled with massive debt and underwhelming salaries, making the cost hard to justify. While NYU excels in certain areas like film and business, the average student may not see the same payoff.
Sarah Lawrence College
Sarah Lawrence prides itself on its intimate class sizes and a strong focus on individualized education. However, its annual cost rivals that of the most elite universities, and the economic outcomes for graduates don’t reflect that investment. The school leans heavily into the arts and humanities, fields that often come with lower starting salaries.
For a college charging over $75,000 a year, students might expect a stronger career support system or better post-grad earnings. Instead, many alumni struggle to manage their student loans for years.
Columbia College Chicago
Columbia College Chicago is known for its arts and media programs, and for aspiring creatives, it can sound like a dream. However, the dream comes with a steep price and a harsh reality. The school’s graduation rate is relatively low, and student loan default rates are notably higher than average.
Tuition alone hovers around $30,000, not including living expenses in downtown Chicago. Many graduates enter highly competitive fields with modest income prospects, making it tough to stay financially afloat.
Image Source: 123rf.com
The New School
With a heavy emphasis on creativity, social justice, and progressive ideals, The New School has carved out a niche among liberal-minded students. But with tuition approaching $60,000 and a limited focus on high-earning disciplines, the financial picture isn’t great. The university’s design and arts programs are highly regarded, but outside of those, outcomes vary widely.
Students often pay Ivy League prices without the broad professional clout that similar tuition costs can bring elsewhere. Graduates frequently report struggling to find stable, well-paying jobs that align with their degrees.
Bard College
Nestled in New York’s Hudson Valley, Bard College markets itself as an intellectual haven for free thinkers and creatives. While the campus is picturesque and the curriculum rigorous, the cost is significant, especially for a school with relatively low name recognition on the national stage.
Many students leave Bard with high levels of debt and degrees that don’t offer a clear path to employment. Career support and alumni networks also fall short compared to similarly priced institutions. It’s a case of premium pricing without the premium launchpad.
Emerson College
Emerson College in Boston is beloved by aspiring journalists, filmmakers, and performers, and it boasts a strong reputation in the communication arts. But that focused appeal comes with a steep cost, and the narrow academic offerings limit flexibility. Tuition and living expenses in Boston can push total costs north of $70,000 per year. Graduates often enter competitive industries where pay can be inconsistent or slow to build. For many, it’s a gamble that doesn’t always pay off in financial terms.
Drexel University
Drexel University promotes its co-op program as a major value-add, offering students real-world work experience during college. However, that benefit doesn’t fully offset the cost, which can be nearly $75,000 annually with room and board. Drexel graduates often carry heavy debt loads, and the return on investment varies significantly across different majors. Engineering and nursing fare better, but other disciplines don’t justify the steep price. The school’s financial aid packages also tend to be less generous than peer institutions.
Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)
SCAD markets itself as a launchpad for careers in design, fashion, and visual arts, attracting students from across the globe. However, tuition combined with living expenses often surpasses $60,000 a year, and many graduates struggle to secure high-paying positions in the creative industries. The fields SCAD specializes in are notoriously underpaid and oversaturated, leading to a disconnect between cost and outcome.
Despite a shiny reputation and impressive campus facilities, the financial strain on alumni is hard to ignore. When passion meets price, the results can be sobering.
Which College Program Gets A Fail?
The pursuit of a college degree should open doors, not lock graduates into decades of financial hardship. While these schools each offer unique experiences and areas of academic excellence, the cost-to-reward ratio simply doesn’t favor the average student. In many cases, the prestige or allure of a niche program masks the underlying economic realities. Students and families need to weigh not just passion and fit, but also long-term financial viability.
Do you agree with this list, or do you think we missed a school that should’ve made the cut?
Read More
10 College Truths Professors Wish Students Understood Before Stepping on Campus
Over Priced and Under Educated: 6 Colleges Where Earning A Degree Is Worthless
Leave a Reply