American Colleges You Should Absolutely Avoid

Mitchell College in Connecticut may not be the right choice for students seeking higher salaries. Six years after graduation, its alumni have a median salary of $32,000 and average debts of $31,848. Besides the low return on investment, Mitchell College attendees have complained about the lack of support and feedback from teachers, not being able to access the wifi, the out-of-date classrooms, and the bad quality food.

This university has a low graduation rate — 35%. That's compared to the national average of 46%. It scores highly for its vibrant social scene and athletics programs but many complain about the low return on their investment. The average annual tuition cost is $18,074 after financial aid, compared to the national average of $15,523. Students complain that it takes a long time to organize financial aid and there is a lack of scholarships available.

Who doesn't enjoy the idea of studying in beautiful, sunny California? Sadly, this college campus suffers from a lack of school spirit and community as most students don't live on campus. Students state that you need to go off campus to enjoy nightlife because there aren't many on-campus parties. College State University Los Angeles has also been criticized for its failure to support free speech.

This private university has a graduation rate of 38%, which is low compared to the national average of 46%. It scores reasonably well for diversity, but low regarding housing and student social life. In 2019, students and parents called for better safety on campus after two men shot and killed each other. Students say that the new dorms are too small and the old ones are outdated and moldy.

This private, Christian college is located in Tyler, Texas, and has a strong historical and current commitment to the education of Black Americans. Unfortunately, only 12% of students who start out at the college graduate. Those that do graduate go on to earn a starting salary of $21,500. However, the return on investment is quite low. 20 years after graduating, students still have an average debt of $46,900. Reviews comment that both the sports facilities and housing need to be renovated.

Located in Richmond, Virginia, Virginia Union is a private, Christian university with a strong history of and commitment to the education of Black Americans. Popular majors of the university include Criminology, Business, and Biology. Virginia Union alumni go on to earn a starting salary of $22,800 but the graduation rate is only 29%. Students say that the older dorms are moldy and pest-ridden with faulty air conditioning. There are also complaints about the strength of the wi-fi and the condition of the school's sports facilities.

Located in Raleigh, North Carolina, Shaw is a private, Christian university with a strong history of and commitment to the education of Black Americans. It has a competitive admissions rate of just 63%. However, only 17% of students graduate. Those that do go on to earn a starting salary of $22,800. Student reviews mention the bad quality food, old outdated buildings, and lack of decent sports facilities.

Only 14% of students graduate from LeMoyne-Owen, a private, non-denominational college located in Memphis, Tennessee. This is far below the national average graduation rate of 46%. LeMoyne-Owen alumni attain an average annual starting salary of $20,900. The most popular study programs are Liberal Arts and Humanities, Business, and Criminal Justice and Safety Studies. Students say that the dorms are run-down and that the campus can be overcrowded.

Fayetteville State is a public university with a competitive admissions rate. Many students study Nursing, Psychology, or Business. Fayetteville State alumni go on to earn a reasonable average starting salary of $24,800 and 34% of students graduate. Student reviews mention feeling unsafe on campus and that the housing needs upgrades.

UDC is a small public university with an acceptance rate of 100%. The average starting salary of $29,100 is not bad but only 13% of students graduate. Many students study Business, Legal Studies, and Political Science or Government. Student reviews mention poor administrative practices and a lack of on-campus social activities.

PNCA is a small private college based in Portland, Oregon with an acceptance rate of 89%. Most students study Graphic Design, Illustration, or Printmaking. The graduation rate of 43% is just below the national average but alumni go on to earn a starting salary of just $20,800. Reviews state that PNCA has one of the most expensive student housing programs in the country and the college does not prepare you for a job in the real world.

Located in Muskogee, Oklahoma, Bacone is a private, Christian college with a graduation rate of just 16%. Many students study Business, Sport and Fitness Management, or Minority and Ethnic Studies and alumni go on to earn a starting salary of $27,200. Reviews say that the dorms need a lot of TLC and that tuition and housing are expensive.

Baker College is located in Flint, Michigan. Of the students that enroll in this college, only 21% end up graduating. Those that do graduate walk away with an average debt of $22,852. The prospects of paying that off aren't great because the median salary for graduates is just $27,200 six years after graduation. Reviews mention unhelpful instructors and problems applying for financial aid.

Located in Little Rock, Arkansas, Philander Smith is a private, Christian college. Students go here to study Business, Physical Education Teaching and Coaching, and Social Work and Youth Services. While the graduation rate sits slightly above the national average, Philander Smith alumni go on to earn a starting salary of just $21,400. Reviews mention the lack of sporting clubs and bad cafeteria food.

Located in St. Louis, Missouri, Harris-Stowe is a public university, and HBCU. The most popular study majors are Education, Criminal Justice and Safety Studies, and Business. What lets this institution down is the low graduation rate of just 17%. Plus, the average starting salary is also low. Harris-Stowe alumni go on to earn a starting salary of $21,800. Reviews say that the library is too small and many of the on-campus computers don't work. They also mention the lack of diversity of food in the campus cafeterias.