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Paine College

Accept Rate
83.36%
Grad Rate
19.6%
Enrollment
338
Tuition
$14,596
Median Salary
$33,338
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
C+
Value
C
Admissions
C
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Paine College offers a tight-knit, family-like atmosphere where the small enrollment of 338 students ensures you know your classmates and professors personally. The historic campus, with its classic architecture and green spaces, feels like a close community where support is readily available. It feels like a place where you can find your footing and receive individualized attention in a nurturing environment.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

83.36%
Open Admission

Test Optional

This school does not require SAT/ACT scores for admission

Admissions Tips

Given the 83.36% acceptance rate, Paine College is accessible, but you should still submit a thoughtful application that highlights your personal story and interest in their mission. Since 71.3% of students receive Pell Grants, the admissions office looks for students with financial need as well as academic potential, so ensure your FAFSA is submitted early. It is also beneficial to connect with the admissions office directly to show your interest, as demonstrated interest can be a factor.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1200
40080012001600

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

The college provides a liberal arts foundation with strong programs in Business, Psychology, and Communications, emphasizing critical thinking and ethical leadership. With its small class sizes, students receive personalized attention from faculty who are invested in their success. While research opportunities exist, they are often tailored to the undergraduate experience rather than large-scale graduate-level projects.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
63.6%
Psychology
13.6%
Social Sciences
9.1%
Biology & Biomedical
4.5%
Communications
4.5%
English & Literature
4.5%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

19.6%
Graduation Rate
53.6%
Retention Rate
338
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$14,596
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$15,074
After financial aid
Total Cost
$27,310
Cost of attendance/year
71.3%
Receive Pell Grants
73.6%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Augusta-Richmond County

Located in Augusta-Richmond County, students can enjoy the city's famous Riverwalk along the Savannah River, which features shops, restaurants, and events. The city is known for its vibrant arts scene, the Masters Golf Tournament, and various festivals that provide ample entertainment options. Students often explore downtown Augusta for its nightlife, music venues, and diverse dining experiences.

Local Rent Check

$961 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Augusta-Richmond County
Explore Augusta-Richmond County

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$58,384
$0Est. 4 Years: $58,384

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($33,338):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus has its own campus safety department, but as with any urban setting in Augusta-Richmond County, students should practice standard safety precautions like staying in well-lit areas at night. The college is located near downtown Augusta, so being aware of your surroundings is essential for personal safety.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Very high acceptance rate makes it an accessible option for many students.
  • โœ“ Small student body allows for personalized attention from faculty.
  • โœ“ High percentage of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong financial aid support.
  • โœ“ Strong programs in Business, Psychology, and Communications.

Cons

  • โœ— Low graduation and retention rates suggest challenges in student completion.
  • โœ— Urban setting may require students to be vigilant about safety.
  • โœ— Median earnings post-graduation are below the national average.

Notable Alumni

Dr. Charles J. Gibbs
Distinguished educator and former President of the college.
Dr. James A. Davis
Notable sociologist and academic leader.
Rev. Dr. C. T. Vivian
Civil rights leader and close associate of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Frequently Asked Questions

Paine College is a private historically black liberal arts college known for its strong emphasis on leadership, ethics, and social responsibility. It is particularly recognized for its programs in Business Administration, Psychology, and Mass Communications. The college is also known for its close-knit community and commitment to serving students from diverse backgrounds.

No, Paine College is not hard to get into with an acceptance rate of 83.36%. This makes it an accessible option for the majority of applicants. However, a complete application that demonstrates academic readiness and personal interest is still recommended for admission consideration.

Campus life at Paine College is intimate due to the small enrollment of 338 students, fostering a family-like atmosphere where students are known by name. Students can participate in various student organizations, athletics, and campus events that build a sense of community. The urban location in Augusta provides easy access to city amenities while maintaining a distinct campus identity.

The value of a degree from Paine College depends heavily on the student's major and career goals, given the 10-year median earnings of $33,338. While the net price is relatively low for a private college, the return on investment (ROI) is lower than the national average for bachelor's degrees. For students who utilize financial aid effectively and plan their career path carefully, it can be a worthwhile investment, particularly for those seeking a supportive, small-scale academic environment.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Augusta University Augusta Technical College Wellstar MCG Health Richmond County School System Georgia State Government
Smart Start Score
32

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 342
  • In-State Tuition $14,596
  • Zip Code 30901

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 42% โ™€ 58%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $15,074 and tuition at $14,596 for all students, the cost is relatively manageable compared to many private institutions. However, the 10-year median earnings of $33,338 suggest that graduates may need to carefully manage student loan debt to ensure a positive return on investment. The high Pell Grant rate indicates that financial aid is a crucial component for most students to afford attendance.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $14,596
Housing (12 mo) $11,532
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $33,328
With avg financial aid:
$15,074/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.