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Paine College

Augusta, GA·Private nonprofit·338 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who want small classes and close faculty access. graduation rate is below 25% — most students don't finish here; freshman retention is below 65%. 71% of students receive Pell Grants — strong access mission.

83%
Accept
338
Students
$15,074
Net Price
22%
Grad Rate
$29,700
Earnings
10 yr
$11,000
Debt

About This School

Paine College is a private nonprofit institution located in Augusta, Georgia with approximately 338 undergraduate students enrolled. Paine College has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 83%. The average net price after financial aid is $15,074 per year. The graduation rate is 22%, and the typical graduate earns $29,700 within 10 years of enrollment.

Paine College is a private, historically black Methodist college in Augusta, Georgia. It is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. Paine College offers undergraduate degrees in the liberal arts, business administration, and education through residential, commuter, and off-site programs. The college is accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS).

The numbers tell a mixed story here: the $15,074 average net price and relatively low median debt of $11,000 make this one of the more affordable private college options, but a 22% graduation rate and 54% freshman retention rate are serious red flags that suggest many students don't finish — and those who do earn a median of just $29,700 a decade out. Worth considering only if you have a strong specific reason to attend (family legacy, a particular program, the HBCU environment) and a clear plan to stay enrolled and finish, because the odds of completing a degree here are unfortunately not in your favor.

Founded
1882
Setting
Midsize city

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing64%
Psychology14%
Social Sciences9%
Biological Sciences5%
Communications5%
English5%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Pastor TroyJoseph Lowery

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$14,596
Out-of-State Tuition
$14,596
Avg Net Price
$15,074
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants71%
Median debt at graduation$11,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
22%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
54%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$29,700
after enrollment
Median Debt
$11,000
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$11,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$21,400
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$29,700
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.7x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White2%
Black86%
Hispanic/Latino3%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (338 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Paine College

1235 15th St

Augusta, GA 30901-3182

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Georgia

Browse all Georgia schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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