Degree Dividend
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College of the Albemarle vs Barton College: which has better ROI?

Public, Elizabeth City NC · vs · Private nonprofit, Wilson 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 $33,234 at College of the Albemarle. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureCollege of the AlbemarleBarton College
Net price / yr$2,253$23,626
Total net cost$4,506$94,504
Median earnings, 10 yrs$33,234$47,913
Median debt$25,877
Payback
20-year net return-$307,026-$103,444

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

Which is cheaper, College of the Albemarle or Barton College?

College of the Albemarle, at $2,253 a year after aid versus $23,626 — a gap of $21,373 a year, or $89,998 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do College of the Albemarle or Barton College graduates earn more?

Barton College graduates report a median $47,913 ten years after entry, $14,679 more than the $33,234 at College of the Albemarle. 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 Barton College, against 35% at College of the Albemarle. 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.

College of the Albemarle vs Barton College: frequently asked questions

Is College of the Albemarle or Barton 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, College of the Albemarle or Barton College?
College of the Albemarle: $2,253/yr net price after aid versus $23,626/yr at Barton College — a difference of $21,373 a year, or about $89,998 over four years.
Do College of the Albemarle or Barton College graduates earn more?
Barton College graduates earn a median $47,913 ten years after entry, versus $33,234 at College of the Albemarle — a $14,679 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.