Diving into the college hype can feel like navigating a jungle of glossy brochures and sparkling websites, all promising the adventure of a lifetime. But what lurks beneath those flashy exteriors? This article is your trusty machete, slicing through the jungle to uncover the 40 colleges that might just be more mirage than oasis.
With a blend of humor, hard facts, and a dash of detective work, we’ve rounded up a list of institutions that might make you pause and think, “Is this the blockbuster college experience I’m signing up for, or a direct-to-DVD letdown?” It’s a no-holds-barred exploration of what really makes a college worth the hype—and which ones might be skating by on reputation alone.
So, buckle up and grab your popcorn, because we’re about to take you on a rollicking ride through the wilds of higher education. Whether you’re a high school senior, a concerned parent, or just a lover of juicy educational exposés, this list has something for everyone. Keep reading to discover which colleges have earned a spot on our list and why picking a college deserves a little more laughter and a lot more scrutiny.
Florida Memorial University
Florida Memorial University’s got a bit of a sticky reputation, with a highlight being the hefty $31,169 debt graduates typically carry. High costs meet a modest 38% graduation rate, stirring up more questions than confidence for hopeful students.
Even with grants and scholarships in the mix, they barely nick the surface of steep tuition fees. This makes Florida Memorial University a pricy venture with a finish line that seems a tad too elusive for most of its students.
Saint Augustine’s University
Saint Augustine’s University in North Carolina, originally established to serve formerly enslaved black Americans, has unfortunately gained notoriety for its students’ hefty debt loads and low graduation rates. With an average debt of $22,500 and only 26% of students making it to graduation, the numbers tell a challenging story.
The cost of attending this private institution doesn’t help its case, with local students facing a bill of $7,692 and their out-of-state counterparts shelling out $17,890. These steep costs contribute to Saint Augustine’s struggle to draw in a larger student body.
Lindsey Wilson College
Lindsey Wilson College in Kentucky offers a variety of degrees, from two-year programs to doctorates. But there’s a catch: students often leave with around $21,000 in debt, and only about 33% actually graduate, raising some eyebrows about the college’s effectiveness.
The cost to go there? A steep $34,323. But it’s not all bad news — 85% of those who do graduate find solid jobs within two years. Still, since only a third finish their degree, it’s a gamble, leaving many wondering about those who don’t make it to graduation.
Grambling State University
Grambling State University in Louisiana, originally known for being an all-black college, offers a unique educational journey. With a 41% graduation rate, the path to success varies for students, who often graduate with an average debt of $25,732, reflecting the financial challenge of their college experience.
Tuition costs are steep, with in-state students paying $24,703 and those from out-of-state $33,726, leading to the high debt levels. While Grambling State has its merits, especially for local students, out-of-state learners might find the financial burden a significant factor to consider.
Western International College
Western International College in Arizona finds itself on this list for its alarmingly low graduation rate of just 15%, one of the lowest among colleges. This statistic alone raises questions about the effectiveness of its educational programs.
Surprisingly, students often end up with nearly double the debt compared to the college’s attendance cost of $11,186, with the average debt hitting $21,228. Despite its affordability relative to other institutions, the reasons behind the disproportionate debt levels remain unclear. These two critical factors—high debt and low graduation rates—suggest caution for prospective students.
Coppin State University
Coppin State University in Maryland earns a spot on this list due to its graduation rate of just 20%, far below what many would consider ideal. This low rate suggests underlying challenges that prospective students should investigate before applying, as it often points to significant issues affecting student success.
Moreover, out-of-state students face a hefty attendance fee of $30,202, and the average student debt upon leaving Coppin State stands at $23,805. These financial figures, combined with the low graduation rate, highlight the need for careful consideration by those thinking of enrolling.
Alabama State University
Alabama State University stands out in Alabama, but for a challenging reason: it has one of the state’s lowest graduation rates, with only 26% of its students completing their degrees. This statistic is a critical indicator of the hurdles students may face during their time at the university.
Despite an impressive 98% acceptance rate, welcoming nearly every applicant, the university’s appeal is tempered by post-graduation realities. Median earnings for alumni, six years out, hover around $27,700, significantly below the national average, signaling potential concerns about the value of the education provided.
Philander Smith College
Philander Smith College in Arkansas is known for its low tuition, making it a budget-friendly option for students. This is one of its biggest pluses, attracting those looking for an affordable education.
However, there’s a catch: graduates often leave with an average debt of $26,616, which is a lot, especially for a college that’s supposed to be affordable. When you consider that the average salary after graduation is only $24,400, paying off that debt seems really tough. Plus, with only 39% of students graduating, it makes you wonder why more students don’t finish their degrees.
Nazarene Bible College
Nazarene Bible College, found in Colorado, is known for its high costs, making it an expensive choice for students. Interestingly, most students don’t go to college full-time.
On top of that, graduates often leave with a hefty debt of $42,340, one of the highest among colleges. Unfortunately, their median earnings six years after graduation are only $29,700. With a low 16.4% graduation rate, many students don’t finish their studies, leaving their financial future uncertain.
Edward Waters College
Located in sunny Florida, Edward Waters College still manages to be a bit of a rainy day. Graduation day comes for only 19.6% of students, leaving most dampened with over $20k in debt. Of the few who do skip across the stage, their wallets aren’t exactly overflowing afterwards. The median paycheck 6 years post-grad is just $25,900. Not easy to pay off loans with that drizzle. As for the rest of the students? Their fate remains misty.
Surveys of the lucky grads reveal most earned tiny paychecks, an umbrella far too small to shield their $22,558 in average debt. With Edward Waters College leading to few career rainbows, students are largely left stranded in a downpour of financial obligations. And with so few even making it to graduation, things turn downright stormy for many.
Waldorf University
Nestled in Iowa, Waldorf University comes with a hefty price tag that leaves many students feeling damp and dreary. The average student has to wade through $27,804 in debt. Of the grads lucky enough to stay afloat, 9.7% still flounder when trying to repay these soggy loans. The rest earn a median salary of $37,800, a raft just barely keeping them buoyant.
Yet with Waldorf’s graduation rate only 31.4%, most students find themselves lost at sea. Over half who attend drift away without a degree, facing murky futures and waterlogged loan debt. While the graduates are treading water a bit better, the university’s low completion rate only compounds the issues of expensive tuition and heavy student debt.
Sterling College
Nestled in Kansas, Sterling College is far from America’s star pupil. With sky-high tuition leading to a sea of student debt, it earns poor marks. While Sterling boasts a 42% graduation rate, that still leaves over half of students lost at sea. The lucky grads who float to commencement day are saddled with nearly $25,000 in debt on average.
And though these students may eventually earn up to $35,700, that salary may barely keep their loan repayment ship afloat. As for those who don’t graduate, their fates remains foggy. With its high costs and low completion numbers, Sterling College has earned a spot on Kansas’ bad school list. Students face stormy debt seas, with even graduates bailing buckets. There’s room for improvement at this college that barely passes.
Baker College
Baker College, situated in Michigan, faces challenges in its reputation due to a low 21.1% graduation rate. This low rate indicates that some hurdles may hinder students from successfully completing their college degrees.
Additionally, Baker College grapples with a high student loan default rate, with an average debt of $22,852, making repayment a significant challenge. It’s worth noting that while graduates may eventually earn a median salary of $27,200 within six years, the earnings of non-graduates remain uncertain, highlighting the importance of completing one’s education.
Marquette University
Marquette University, nestled in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, finds itself ranked among the least favorable colleges in America for several reasons. Notably, it ranks ninth among the 20 institutions listed as the most dangerous college campuses in the nation by Insurify. This concerning ranking is further compounded by the fact that Marquette University also boasts the highest rate of property crimes among these institutions.
Additionally, the financial burden on students is substantial, with an annual tuition cost of nearly $39,000 per student, making it a challenging choice for many aspiring learners. In summary, Marquette University’s placement on the list of the most dangerous college campuses, coupled with its high incidence of property crimes and hefty tuition fees, contribute to its less-than-ideal reputation among American universities.
Laramie County Community College
Laramie County Community College, situated in Cheyenne, Wyoming, offers a notable advantage with its remarkably low tuition fees. In-state students pay a mere $3,306 per year, a significantly more affordable option compared to many neighboring universities in the Western region. However, it’s essential to remember that Laramie County Community College is designed as a community college, where affordability is a primary focus.
Despite the cost advantage, Laramie County Community College faces a challenge with its graduation rate, hovering slightly above 25%, which is a cause for concern. For those intent on attending a community college, considering alternatives like Western Wyoming in Rock Springs or Green River might be a prudent choice.
Jackson State University
Jackson State University, located in Jackson, Mississippi, has garnered a reputation as one of the less favorable colleges in America. Over the years, the institution has faced numerous instances of negative publicity, stemming from the actions of both its faculty and students. These incidents have contributed to the university’s tarnished image.
Moreover, Jackson State University struggles with a notably low graduation rate, standing at just around 43%. This low rate raises concerns about the institution’s ability to provide students with the necessary support and resources to successfully complete their education, further solidifying its status as one of the less desirable colleges in the country.
Ultimate Medical Academy
The Ultimate Medical Academy, based in Clearwater, Florida, and available online, is known as one of America’s less reputable colleges. Despite its online presence, it also has physical campuses in a few Florida cities. Interestingly, it’s led by former officials from Trump University and is officially labeled as a not-for-profit academy. However, this label doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a wise educational choice.
If you visit the Better Business Bureau’s website or check out the numerous lawsuits filed against the Ultimate Medical Academy, you’ll quickly discover its questionable reputation. These factors combine to earn it a place among the less desirable colleges in the United States.
DeVry University
DeVry University, situated in Naperville, Illinois, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1931. With an enrollment of eighteen thousand students, predominantly at the undergraduate level, the university offers a diverse learning environment. However, despite its reputation, DeVry has faced criticism, landing on the list of worst colleges in America due to its high student loan debt averaging around forty-three thousand dollars and a low graduation rate of only twenty-nine percent.
Moreover, attending DeVry comes at a considerable cost, exceeding twenty-three thousand dollars per year. Despite this, graduates typically start their careers with an average salary of forty-four thousand dollars after six years, reflecting the university’s commitment to preparing students for success in the workforce.
Wesley College
Founded in 1873, Wesley College calls Dover, Delaware, its home. With a campus steeped in history and charm, this institution welcomes over two thousand students. However, despite its inviting atmosphere, only a modest seventeen percent of students walk away with a degree.
Despite this, Wesley College demands a hefty investment, with tuition hovering around forty-four thousand dollars. Yet, graduates often find themselves on a promising path, with an average starting salary of forty-three thousand dollars after six years, showcasing the potential rewards awaiting those who embark on their educational journey at Wesley.
Mayville State University
Tucked away in Mayville, North Dakota, Mayville State University has been around since 1889. But don’t let its age fool you; with a graduation rate of just 31% among its 1,184 students, it’s a place where academic dreams face tough realities.
Financially, it’s a gamble too. Out-of-state students shell out $22,000, while in-staters pay $19,000. After crossing the finish line, graduates are weighed down by an average debt of $28,000. Even more concerning, 11% of them can’t keep up with loan payments, highlighting a risky investment in their futures.
University Of The Southwest
Since opening its doors in 1962 in Hobbs, New Mexico, the University of the Southwest has become a cozy educational spot, hosting over a thousand eager minds. Yet, it’s a place where ambition meets tough odds, highlighted by its 45% acceptance rate and a surprisingly low 20% graduation rate.
The financial side of the story is equally daunting. Attending this university will set you back over $27,000, a hefty price tag considering the outcomes. Graduates venture into the world bearing the weight of an average $23,000 in loan debt, a heavy load for shoulders just starting to carry their own future.
Stratford University
Stratford University, nestled in Northern Virginia since 1976, caters mainly to part-timers among its 2,000-strong student body. Despite its convenience for those juggling life and study, the 30% graduation rate gives pause, especially with a yearly cost of $28,000 looming large.
Yet, there’s a glimmer of hope for those who make it through; the average graduate leaves with a relatively modest debt of almost $11,000. And while starting on the career ladder, they can expect to earn around $35,500. It’s a mixed bag of challenges and opportunities at Stratford, reflecting the complex equation of cost versus reward in higher education.
The University Of South Carolina, Aiken
Since its establishment in 1879 in Aiken, South Carolina, the University of South Carolina, Aiken, has grown to serve a diverse student body, including 3,000 undergraduates and 157 postgraduates. Yet, the journey through academia here comes with its set of hurdles, reflected in a 42% graduation rate, attributed largely to the scarcity of local job prospects.
The cost of this educational venture varies, with in-state students facing an $18,000 annual tuition fee, while their out-of-state counterparts pay $29,000. This financial commitment, coupled with the challenging job market in Aiken, paints a complex picture for students weighing the value of their degree against the realities of the local economy.
The University Of Montevallo State
In the heart of Montevallo, Alabama, since 1896, the University of Montevallo stands unique as the state’s sole public liberal arts college. It’s a creative hub for 2,600 students, 2,300 of whom are pursuing undergraduate degrees. Yet, despite its unique position, the school faces a challenge: a graduation rate of just 48%.
The financial aspect of studying here varies significantly by residency. In-state students navigate through their education with a $27,000 yearly tuition, whereas out-of-state students face a steeper $40,000. Graduating means carrying an average loan debt of over $25,000—a substantial figure that reflects the investment students make in their liberal arts education at Montevallo.
Shaw University
Shaw University, nestled in Raleigh, North Carolina, carries the legacy of its founding in 1865 into the present day. However, it grapples with a significant challenge: a graduation rate of merely 18%. This figure casts a shadow over its community of 1,600 students, of which 1,500 are striving for undergraduate success. Such a low completion rate raises concerns about the university’s ability to support its students through to graduation.
The financial commitment to study at Shaw is substantial, with tuition fees set at $30,000 per year. This investment becomes even more daunting when considering the average student graduates with a loan debt of $28,000. With a median starting salary of just $30,000 for graduates, Shaw University’s alumni face a precarious balancing act between their educational investment and the economic reality awaiting them.
University Of The District Of Columbia
In the heart of Washington, D.C., the University of the District of Columbia, founded in 1851, hosts 3,900 students but struggles with a low graduation rate of only 18%. This fact places it on the not-so-coveted list of America’s less stellar colleges.
Tuition doesn’t come cheap here, at $23,000 for locals and $30,000 for those from afar, yet graduates often find themselves $22,000 in debt, with nearly 10% unable to keep up with repayments. It’s a financial tightrope that many students walk, hoping for a better balance between cost and reward.
Morris College
Tucked away in Sumter, South Carolina, Morris College has been part of the educational landscape since 1908. Despite its long history, only 20% of its 1,200 undergrads manage to graduate, a statistic that mirrors the challenges faced by students seeking success within its halls.
The financial journey through Morris is steep, with a price tag of $27,000 a year. Yet, the road doesn’t get much easier post-graduation; students step out with an average debt of $26,000, armed with degrees that lead to starting salaries of around $32,000. It’s a tough financial equation for Morris graduates, combining high costs with modest returns.
Black Hill State University
Nestled in Spearfish, South Dakota, Black Hill State University has been part of the educational tapestry since 1883. Despite its picturesque setting, the university faces challenges, with a graduation rate of only 38% among its nearly 4,000 undergraduates, landing it the unenviable spot as the twelfth worst school in the nation.
The cost of education here doesn’t come cheap, with in-state students forking out $22,000 and their out-of-state peers paying $25,000 in tuition. Upon leaving, graduates are burdened with an average loan debt of $25,000, a hefty price for a degree from a school struggling to shake off its dubious distinction.
New England College
In the quaint town of Henniker, New Hampshire, New England College has been educating students since 1946. With 2,800 enrollees, this institution challenges both the mind and the wallet, sporting a yearly tuition just under a staggering $58,000. However, only 38% of students navigate their way to graduation.
The financial journey doesn’t end at commencement. Graduates are saddled with an average debt of $35,000, a hefty sum considering the modest average starting salary of nearly $38,000 six years post-graduation. It paints a picture of ambitious young minds stepping into the world, balancing dreams with the reality of their ledger.
The University Of Maine At Augusta
Tucked away in the scenic town of Augusta, Maine, the University of Maine at Augusta has been a beacon of learning since 1965, welcoming six thousand students through its doors. Yet, with a yearly tuition of $21,000 for locals and $32,000 for those from further afield, it’s a significant investment that only 30% of students see through to graduation.
The financial aftermath of attending UMA is a burden, with graduates averaging $24,000 in loan debt, all for a starting salary hovering around $28,000. It’s a tough pill to swallow, reflecting the economic realities faced by many as they step into the world with aspirations and diplomas in hand.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Eastern New York
Nestled in Troy, New York, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has stood since 1824, steeped in history and academic pursuit. Despite its prestigious past and a strong cohort of over 8,000 students boasting a 61% graduation rate, RPI finds itself mired in controversy, landing on lists of less commendable colleges due to policies that critics argue stifle free speech.
As a private institution, the cost of joining the RPI community is steep, with tuition exceeding $55,000. This investment in education comes with the added weight of navigating a campus environment where policy and freedom of expression are at the heart of ongoing debates, reflecting the complex dynamics of modern academia.
Columbia College Hollywood
In the heart of Los Angeles, California, Columbia College Hollywood shines a spotlight on the dreams of its 360 film students since its founding in 1952. However, beneath the glitz and glamour, there’s a challenging reality: a mere 35% of students make it to graduation, with tuition fees soaring ten thousand dollars above the norm.
After the final credits roll on their education, graduates find themselves with an average debt of $20,000, a daunting figure especially when stable and gainful employment in the film industry remains elusive for many. This prestigious film school’s narrative is a blend of aspiration and hard truths, illustrating the gamble of chasing cinematic dreams.
Mt. Sierra College
Tucked away in California, Mt. Sierra College opened its doors in 1990 with the promise of propelling students into the future of technology and business. However, the journey there is fraught with challenges, as evidenced by the startlingly low graduation rate of just 6%. Yearly, students face a tuition bill of $16,000, a steep price for an education journey that many start but few complete.
This low completion rate casts a long shadow over the value of a degree from Mt. Sierra, with graduates finding it tough to secure employment post-graduation. Employers’ hesitation to recognize these degrees adds another hurdle for alumni, making the path from education to employment a particularly steep climb for those who venture through Mt. Sierra’s doors.
Sources: ThinkImpact, SheBudgets, HeraldWeekly