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

Public, Lumberton 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 $29,036 at Robeson Community College. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureRobeson Community CollegeBarton College
Net price / yr$2,892$23,626
Total net cost$5,784$94,504
Median earnings, 10 yrs$29,036$47,913
Median debt$25,877
Payback
20-year net return-$392,264-$103,444

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

Which is cheaper, Robeson Community College or Barton College?

Robeson Community College, at $2,892 a year after aid versus $23,626 — a gap of $20,734 a year, or $88,720 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Robeson Community College or Barton College graduates earn more?

Barton College graduates report a median $47,913 ten years after entry, $18,877 more than the $29,036 at Robeson 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 Barton College, against 33% at Robeson 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.

Robeson Community College vs Barton College: frequently asked questions

Is Robeson Community College 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, Robeson Community College or Barton College?
Robeson Community College: $2,892/yr net price after aid versus $23,626/yr at Barton College — a difference of $20,734 a year, or about $88,720 over four years.
Do Robeson Community College or Barton College graduates earn more?
Barton College graduates earn a median $47,913 ten years after entry, versus $29,036 at Robeson Community College — a $18,877 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.