Degree Dividend
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Lenoir-Rhyne University vs Beaufort County Community College: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Hickory NC · vs · Public, Washington NC

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Lenoir-Rhyne University comes closer — median earnings $45,543 against a $82,756 total, vs $32,519 at Beaufort County Community College. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureLenoir-Rhyne UniversityBeaufort County Community College
Net price / yr$20,689$6,500
Total net cost$82,756$26,000
Median earnings, 10 yrs$45,543$32,519
Median debt$26,000
Payback
20-year net return-$139,096-$342,820

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

Which is cheaper, Lenoir-Rhyne University or Beaufort County Community College?

Beaufort County Community College, at $6,500 a year after aid versus $20,689 — a gap of $14,189 a year, or $56,756 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Lenoir-Rhyne University or Beaufort County Community College graduates earn more?

Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates report a median $45,543 ten years after entry, $13,024 more than the $32,519 at Beaufort County 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?

48% of students finish at Lenoir-Rhyne University, against 48% at Beaufort County Community 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.

Lenoir-Rhyne University vs Beaufort County Community College: frequently asked questions

Is Lenoir-Rhyne University or Beaufort County Community College a better value?
Lenoir-Rhyne University 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, Lenoir-Rhyne University or Beaufort County Community College?
Beaufort County Community College: $6,500/yr net price after aid versus $20,689/yr at Lenoir-Rhyne University — a difference of $14,189 a year, or about $56,756 over four years.
Do Lenoir-Rhyne University or Beaufort County Community College graduates earn more?
Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates earn a median $45,543 ten years after entry, versus $32,519 at Beaufort County Community College — a $13,024 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.