Degree Dividend
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Barton College vs William Peace University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Wilson NC · vs · Private nonprofit, Raleigh 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 $46,643 at William Peace University. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureBarton CollegeWilliam Peace University
Net price / yr$23,626$21,649
Total net cost$94,504$86,596
Median earnings, 10 yrs$47,913$46,643
Median debt$25,877$22,250
Payback
20-year net return-$103,444-$120,936

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

Which is cheaper, Barton College or William Peace University?

William Peace University, at $21,649 a year after aid versus $23,626 — a gap of $1,977 a year, or $7,908 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 William Peace University graduates earn more?

Barton College graduates report a median $47,913 ten years after entry, $1,270 more than the $46,643 at William Peace University. 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 leaves students with less debt, Barton College or William Peace University?

William Peace University: its completers carry a median $22,250 in federal loans versus $25,877 at Barton College, a difference of $3,627. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

46% of students finish at Barton College, against 45% at William Peace University. 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 William Peace University: frequently asked questions

Is Barton College or William Peace University 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 William Peace University?
William Peace University: $21,649/yr net price after aid versus $23,626/yr at Barton College — a difference of $1,977 a year, or about $7,908 over four years.
Do Barton College or William Peace University graduates earn more?
Barton College graduates earn a median $47,913 ten years after entry, versus $46,643 at William Peace University — a $1,270 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.