Paier College
Paier College is a private for-profit institution in Bridgeport, CT ranked #1041 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B, enrolling about 183 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 61.5%. Students most often pursue creative industries.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, 63.6% first-year retention, and 57.1% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $30,982, about $13,984 more than the national median. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Paier College Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Paier College graduates 57.1% of students within six years and keeps 63.6% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Paier College's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $26,400 |
| Books and Supplies | $2,700 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $18,000 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $1,800 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $34,980 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 66.4% of Paier College students receive Pell Grants — well above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $32,145/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $34,980/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings Not reported
- 10-Year Median Earnings Not reported
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $8,935
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 59.4%
- Employment Rate Not reported
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Paier College graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Paier College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Paier College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Paier College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 183
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 63.6%
- Graduation Rate 57.1%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 9:1
How to Get Into Paier College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Paier College requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 61.5%, Paier College is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 61.5% acceptance rate, Paier College is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Paier College undergraduates. Fine and Studio Arts, Interior Architecture, and Design and Applied Arts draw the most students.
- Fine and Studio Arts 36.4%
- Interior Architecture 27.3%
- Design and Applied Arts 27.3%
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts 9.1%
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Paier College. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Fine and Studio Arts (Bachelor's Degree, 4 graduates)
- Interior Architecture (Bachelor's Degree, 3 graduates)
- Design and Applied Arts (Bachelor's Degree, 3 graduates)
- Interior Architecture (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, 1 graduates)
- Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians (Associate's Degree, 1 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (4 programs)▼
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Interior Architecture
- Design and Applied Arts
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (3 programs)▼
- Interior Architecture
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Design and Applied Arts
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 183
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 33.9%
- Female Students 66.1%
- Caucasian 43.7%
- Asian 4.9%
- Hispanic 22.9%
- Black 22.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients 66.4%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Paier College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Paier College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Paier College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Paier College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Paier College has a diverse student body, with 43.7% identifying as White. Women make up 66.1% of undergraduates. 66.4% of students receive Pell Grants, well above the national average, indicating strong support for low-income students.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Paier College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Paier College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Paier College ranks #1041 of 6272 institutions in our comprehensive analysis, achieving a B overall grade with 0.0% ROI.
At $30,982 annually, the institution serves students seeking accessible higher education. Career outcomes and value metrics should be carefully compared against alternative institutions before enrolling.
EDsmart Assessment: Paier College
B grade | #1041 of 6272 | 47.3/100 on EDsmart's national index (0–100 vs. all ranked schools; not a raw point total)
Performance Overview: Paier College's 0.0% return on investment and #1041 ranking reflect the institution's competitive position in the higher education landscape. The $30,982 annual cost should be carefully weighed against expected career outcomes.
Value Considerations: Prospective students should compare Paier College's specific programs against alternatives, as institutional averages may not reflect individual program quality. Financial aid packages, program-specific outcomes, and career services vary significantly.
Decision Framework: Use Paier College's B grade and #1041 ranking as starting points, not final answers. Evaluate program-specific outcomes, campus visit impressions, financial aid offers, and career placement rates in your intended field before making enrollment decisions.
Key Takeaways
- 57.1% six-year graduation rate sits 5.4 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 63.6% first-year retention is 13.2 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- Average net price of $30,982 is roughly $13,864 higher than the national median of $17,118.
- 9:1 student-faculty ratio keeps advising personal and discussion-sized.
- 61.5% admission rate signals a welcoming, mission-driven review process.
Helpfulness for Students
- 9:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 63.6% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- Career coaching and alumni mentoring help learners convert classes into early job offers.
- Average net price of $30,982 is about $13,864 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Bridgeport, CT, Paier College operates as a private for-profit institution and receives a B from EDsmart. It holds a #1041 national ranking Category results include Completion (B-), Support (B), Career Outcomes (B), and Affordability (B-).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 63.6% of first-year students return, and roughly 57.1% finish within six years. Review the cost and aid tables for a full picture of value.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $30,982 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $34,980.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $3,998 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $8,935 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 66.4% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six-year earnings data is not available for this institution.
Employment figures are not reported, so explore departmental job placement stories.
Use the ROI table above to estimate how long it may take to recoup your degree costs.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
61.5% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Paier College admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Bridgeport, CT 06606
- Website www.paier.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information