Paul Quinn College

Life at Paul Quinn is defined by its small, tight-knit community. The college enforces a business-casual dress code to prepare students for professional environments. Residence life is integral to the experience, with housing designed to foster interpersonal skills. Student reviews highlight the supportive campus atmosphere, where staff and peers form close bonds. The Office of Student Experience focuses on holistic growth, blending academic and personal development. Instagram posts from the college showcase a vibrant, challenge-driven community where students are urged to 'think bigger.'

Graduation rates are a challenge (29% within six years), but the college is actively working to improve them. Early-career earnings for graduates average $27,000, with a median 10-year earnings figure of $29,288. Retention rates hover around 50%, reflecting the difficulties faced by its low-income student population. Despite these hurdles, Paul Quinn is recognized for defying national trends in higher ed, particularly in serving underrepresented students and innovating to boost success rates.

Paul Quinn's net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost.—after aid—averages $12,709, with 71% of students receiving some form of financial assistance. The Corporate Work Program provides scholarships ranging from $13,000 to $18,000 annually, significantly reducing costs for participants. The average aid package is $7,883, and grants average $7,619. Despite a sticker price of $18,118 after scholarships, the college remains one of the more affordable options, especially for low-income students.

Paul Quinn College stands out for its unapologetically pragmatic approach: a work-college model, business-casual dress code, and focus on transforming passion into impact. It serves a demographic often overlooked by higher ed, with a mission to uplift low-income students through innovative programs like the Corporate Work Program. While graduation rates lag, its commitment to social mobility and close-knit community make it a unique player in HBCU education. As one of the few work colleges in the South, it blends academic rigor with real-world readiness—a rare combination.