Degree Dividend
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Barton College vs Mayland Community College: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Wilson NC · vs · Public, Spruce Pine NC

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Barton College comes closer — median earnings $47,913 against a $94,504 total, vs $34,663 at Mayland Community College. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureBarton CollegeMayland Community College
Net price / yr$23,626$5,861
Total net cost$94,504$11,722
Median earnings, 10 yrs$47,913$34,663
Median debt$25,877
Payback
20-year net return-$103,444-$285,662

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Barton College or Mayland Community College?

Mayland Community College, at $5,861 a year after aid versus $23,626 — a gap of $17,765 a year, or $82,782 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Barton College or Mayland Community College graduates earn more?

Barton College graduates report a median $47,913 ten years after entry, $13,250 more than the $34,663 at Mayland Community College. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which graduates more of its students?

46% of students finish at Mayland Community College, against 46% at Barton College. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Barton College vs Mayland Community College: frequently asked questions

Is Barton College or Mayland Community College a better value?
Barton College comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, Barton College or Mayland Community College?
Mayland Community College: $5,861/yr net price after aid versus $23,626/yr at Barton College — a difference of $17,765 a year, or about $82,782 over four years.
Do Barton College or Mayland Community College graduates earn more?
Barton College graduates earn a median $47,913 ten years after entry, versus $34,663 at Mayland Community College — a $13,250 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.