Adrian College
Adrian College has an acceptance rate of 72.5%, annual tuition of $41,684, average net price of $25,368, and a national rank of #1545 (Grade C+), with a 48.4% six-year graduation rate, about 1,604 undergraduates, and median earnings of $42,805 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Adrian College is a private nonprofit university in Adrian, MI. Students most often pursue Business Administration, Management and Operations and Criminal Justice and Corrections.
Day to day, students benefit from a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, and 65.4% first-year retention. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at -57.8%, roughly 143.1 points below typical outcomes. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Adrian College Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Adrian College graduates 48.4% of students within six years and keeps 65.4% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Adrian 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 | $41,684 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,100 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $20,260 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,050 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $56,003 |
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 30.8% of Adrian College students receive Pell Grants — slightly below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $19,542 to $28,652 depending on family income. Use Adrian College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $27,166/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $28,652/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $42,805
- 10-Year Median Earnings $42,805
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $16,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 61.9%
- Employment Rate 92.2%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Adrian 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.
Adrian College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Adrian College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Adrian College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Adrian College graduates earn $42,805 median, the -57.8% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 443-580
- SAT Math 430-560
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 21-27
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 1,604
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 65.4%
- Graduation Rate 48.4%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 16:1
How to Get Into Adrian College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Adrian 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 72.5%, Adrian 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 72.5% acceptance rate, Adrian College is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 873 and 1140 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Adrian College undergraduates. Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes, Business Administration, Management and Operations, and Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods draw the most students.
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 11.5%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 10.5%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 10.2%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 8.8%
- Accounting and Related Services 7.5%
- Marketing 6.8%
See more majors
- Biology, General 6.4%
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions 3.7%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations $62,373
- 2. Criminal Justice and Corrections $61,051
- 3. Biology, General $54,937
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Health and Physical Education/Fitness $54,468
- 5. Marketing $51,054
- 6. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $48,472
- 7. Communication and Media Studies $47,849
- 8. Social Work $45,595
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $62,372
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations grads earn $62,373—37% more than Social Work ($45,595). Graduate: Accounting and Related Services programs lead with $62,372 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Adrian 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
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 34 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 31 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degree, 30 graduates)
- Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degree, 26 graduates)
- Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degree, 22 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 (49 programs)â–¼
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Accounting and Related Services
- Marketing
- Biology, General
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Psychology, General
- Design and Applied Arts
- Communication and Media Studies
- Social Work
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Political Science and Government
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Chemistry
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations
- Music
- Mathematics
- International Business
- History
- Fine and Studio Arts
- English Language and Literature, General
- Area Studies
- Sociology
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Philosophy
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Physics
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- International/Global Studies
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Science, Technology and Society
- Public Health
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Housing and Human Environments
- Homeland Security
- General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Computer Science
Online Master's Degrees (1 program)â–¼
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (2 programs)â–¼
- Design and Applied Arts
- Marketing
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,604
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 57.4%
- Female Students 42.6%
- Caucasian 59.6%
- Asian 0.4%
- Hispanic 6.2%
- Black 6.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients 30.8%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Adrian College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Adrian College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Adrian 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 Adrian College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Adrian 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 Adrian College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Adrian College offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -57.8% ROI. Ranked #1545 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $25,368 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $42,805 median earnings. With 48.4% graduating within six years and 65.4% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Adrian College's Positioning
With a C+ grade and #1545 ranking, Adrian College competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $25,368 annually, Adrian College charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 65.4% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $17,758 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -57.8% ROI and $42,805 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $15,368+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Adrian College ranks #1545 of 6101 institutions, with 1304 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 48.4% six-year graduation rate sits 14.1 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 65.4% first-year retention is 11.4 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -57.8% return on investment is 143.1 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $42,805 run about 2% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $25,368 is roughly $7,971 higher than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 16:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 65.4% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 92.2% employment rate within three years sits 24.0 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $25,368 is about $7,971 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 30.8% trails the national share by 8.3 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Adrian College, a private nonprofit university in Adrian, MI, secures a C+ grade in our latest review. It is currently ranked #1545 nationally Grades by category break down as Completion C+, Support C+, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability C+.
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 65.4% of first-year students return, and roughly 48.4% finish within six years. The reported ROI is -57.8%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
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 $25,368 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $56,003.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $30,635 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $16,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 30.8% 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
Median earnings come in near $42,805 six years after enrollment. This is roughly 2% below typical U.S. college outcomes.
Roughly 92.2% of graduates are employed three years out.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -57.8%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
72.5% 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 Adrian 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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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Adrian College's acceptance rate?
Adrian College's acceptance rate is 72.5%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Adrian College cost?
At Adrian College, listed tuition and fees are $41,684 per year, and the average net price after aid is $25,368. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Adrian College's ranking?
Adrian College ranks #1545 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of C+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Adrian College's graduation rate?
At Adrian College, the six-year graduation rate is 48.4%, and first-year retention is 65.4%.
What are Adrian College's job outcomes?
Graduates of Adrian College report median earnings of $42,805 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Adrian College's student population?
Adrian College enrolls about 1,604 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Adrian, MI 49221-2575
- Website www.adrian.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$50.6M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate32.6%