18 Worst Colleges In America in 2023 And Why

Wow, aren’t we just so lucky to be living in a world where the American education system is just overflowing with fantastic universities?

But let’s forget about those for a moment and focus on the real gems – the worst colleges in America that just absolutely stink…

Yes, you heard it right folks. 

I’m here to talk about the colleges that are not only a waste of money but also a waste of time and effort.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into the list of the 18 Worst Colleges in America. 

These are the universities that you absolutely, positively, 100% do NOT want to attend.

18 Worst Colleges in America

  1. The University of Montevallo
  2. Mt. Sierra College
  3. California State University
  4. Black Hills State University
  5. Alabama State University
  6. Arkansas – Philander Smith College
  7. California College San Diego
  8. Nazarene Bible College
  9. Mitchell College
  10. The Florida Memorial University
  11. Saint Augustine’s University
  12. Lindsey Wilson College
  13. Western International College
  14. Remington College
  15. Wesley College
  16. Texas College
  17. Shaw University 
  18. The University of Alaska Anchorage 

The University of Montevallo

Hold on to your hats, folks, because we’re starting off the list of the worst colleges in America with a real doozy: the University of Montevallo. 

At this esteemed institution, the degree might be optional, but the debt is mandatory. 

With a graduation rate of just 47%, this public university in Alabama is basically a black hole for your hard-earned cash. 

And if you’re an out-of-state student, you can enjoy the privilege of paying a whopping $35,000 per year for the pleasure of attending. 

The return on investment? A measly $20,200. 

But hey, if you’re looking to join the ranks of the financially irresponsible, then this could be the place for you!




Mt. Sierra College

Meet Mt. Sierra College, the pride of California since 1990. 

And by pride, I mean shame…

This college has been ranked as one of the worst colleges in America due to its abysmal graduation rate of 6.2%. 

But hey, at least they offer a variety of business and technology courses! 

The cost is a reasonable $16,000/year… 

But with such a low graduation rate, employers are likely to pass over Mt. Sierra graduates in favor of those with degrees from more reputable institutions. 

So why waste your time and money? Apply to Mt. Sierra today!

California State University 

Think you’re ready for the worst colleges in America that are big on censorship and short on free speech? 

Look no further than this sister institution of the Los Angeles Cal State University! 

This fine establishment has earned a spot on our list of worst colleges for their refusal to allow artistic expression that mentions race. 

Students hoping to make a statement against racism, think again. 

And for those from minority groups who dare to present a play that challenges racial stereotypes, be prepared for it to be shut down. 

So, if you’re looking for a stifling educational environment, enroll now at this bastion of suppression!

Black Hills State University

Introducing Black Hills State University: Where paying $72,400 for a bachelor’s degree is only the beginning! 

With an undergraduate population of 4,000, this university proudly ranks 4th worst in the nation. 

And what’s the return on investment? A negative $24,000. 

Graduates average a loan debt of $25,400… Because clearly, their salaries after graduation don’t quite cover the cost of attendance. 

Enroll now and start living the dream of financial instability!




Alabama State University 

Step right up and join the crowds at Alabama State University! 

With a student population of over 5,000 and an acceptance rate of 98%…

Who wouldn’t want to be part of this exclusive club? 

And the best part? You’ll have a great chance of being part of the 26% who actually graduate. 

But don’t worry, even if you do graduate, you can look forward to median earnings six years later that are a mere $27,700, well below the national average. 

And for the real thrill-seekers out there, try your luck with the 21% who will default on their loans just three years after graduation. 

Welcome to Alabama State University, where dreams go to die!

Arkansas – Philander Smith College

Why settle for just any old college when you can attend the unparalleled Philander Smith College in Arkansas? 

I mean… With a bargain-basement cost, what more could you ask for? 

And don’t worry about graduation rates, at 39% you’re still better off than a solid chunk of the student body. 

And what’s the cherry on top of this already delicious cake? A median starting salary of only $24,400, making those student loans a breeze to pay off. 

For the real thrill-seekers, try your luck with the 20.1% who will default on their loans just three years after graduation. 

Enroll now at Philander Smith College, where frugality meets futility!

California College San Diego

Well, well, well, looks like California College San Diego has some work to do.

I mean, only 79% of students are employed after two whole years of education. That’s, like, barely a passing grade if you ask me. 

And to top it off, those employed students are making a measly $39,800, which doesn’t even come close to covering the average debt of $31,884. 

Oh, and let’s not forget about the graduation rate, which is a paltry 36%…

Who wants to spend all that money and time on a degree that may or may not happen? 

And if you do manage to graduate, chances are your professors won’t even be full-time.

Only 19% of the professors are full-time, which means less attention for you and more time for them.

Yikes, California College San Diego, you better step up your game!




Nazarene Bible College

Oh boy, Nazarene Bible College is one pricey school…

Students will be leaving with a hefty debt of $42,340…

Which is a lot to swallow considering they’ll only be making an average of $29,700 six years after graduation. 

It’s no surprise that the default rate is at 12.9%… 

And if you think about it, it’s probably because only 16.4% of students actually graduate. 

The good news is, there are plenty of evening classes for those who work during the day. 

But let’s be real, is it worth taking night classes with such a low graduation rate and potential salary? Food for thought.

Mitchell College

Mitchell College: Where your student loan debt will be “over market” compared to other options. 

But at least you can brag about the average 46.2% graduation rate that’s just barely above the national average (because who wants to strive for excellence, right?). 

Enjoy the outdated classrooms, shoddy WiFi, and questionable dining options all while shelling out $31,848 in student loans. 

And hey, who needs great food when you can barely scrape by with a median salary of $32,000 six years after graduation!

The Florida Memorial University

The Florida Memorial University: where your dreams go to die and your bank account takes a beating.

With a graduation rate so low it makes your spirit drop, and an average student debt so high it’ll give you vertigo…

This university might just be the riskiest investment in America.

It’s not all bad news though, they’ve got grants and scholarships, but let’s be real, they’re like a Band-Aid on a bullet wound. 

The attendance is high, but that doesn’t mean much when only a measly 38% of students actually walk away with a diploma. 

And don’t even get me started on the high admission rates, it’s enough to make you want to pull out your hair.

So, if you’re looking for a college experience that will cost you an arm and a leg, leave you feeling like you just stepped off a rollercoaster, and likely won’t even result in a degree, then Florida Memorial University is the place for you!




Saint Augustine’s University

Ready to embark on a journey of higher education, but not sure where to go? 

Well, let me tell you about Saint Augustine’s University, one of the worst colleges in America.  

With a rich history as a university created for formerly enslaved black Americans, you’d think they’d be on the up and up. But unfortunately, the reality is a little less rosy.

Students here walk away with an average of $22,500 in debt, which is a tough pill to swallow when you consider the graduation rate is only 26%. Yikes! 

It doesn’t get much better for out-of-state students either, as they have to fork over a whopping $17,890 for attendance. 

It’s no wonder this university has struggled to attract more students. 

So, if you’re looking for a college that won’t break the bank and won’t leave you with a diploma-shaped piece of paper, you might want to look elsewhere.

Lindsey Wilson College

Ah, Lindsey Wilson College. 

A true enigma of the worst colleges in America…

They offer an impressive array of degrees, from associate to doctoral…

But with a graduation rate of only 33%, it begs the question: what are all these degrees for, exactly?

For students who do manage to earn their diploma, they’ll walk away with a not-so-light $21,000 of debt. 

And let’s not forget the cost of attendance, which is a staggering $34,323. 

That’s a lot of money for a degree that only 33% of students will actually receive.

But hey, there’s one bright spot! 

85% of graduates find a job within two years. 

So, if you’re okay with the odds, you could end up with a good job and a heavy debt burden. Yay?

Western International College

Ready for some college stats that’ll make you do a double-take? 

Buckle up and get ready for the wild ride that is Western International College. 

This Arizona-based institution is renowned for its low graduation rate, clocking in at a measly 15%.

And, as if that wasn’t enough, students tend to leave with an average of $21,228 in debt…

All this, despite the relatively affordable tuition cost of $11,186. It’s anyone’s guess as to why students are amassing so much debt.

But one thing’s for sure, Western International College might want to reevaluate its priorities…

With numbers like these, it’s clear this isn’t the place to be if you want a bright future.




Remington College

It’s not often that a college gets called out for its deceptive tactics…

But Remington College is a prime example of why you should always do your research before enrolling.

This “non-profit” institution was caught red-handed by ABC News in 2010 for offering false promises to potential students and even advising convicted felons on criminal justice career prospects. 

But that’s not all!

It turns out, the non-profit label was just a way for Remington to sidestep regulations and collect more money from student financial aid. 

In other words, Remington College is nothing but a scam in disguise, so proceed with caution, folks!

Wesley College

Well, well, well, what do we have here? 

A little birdie told me about Wesley College, a now-defunct institution that was known for its health and behavioral sciences programs. 

Unfortunately, despite its aspirations, it wasn’t quite the star pupil, with only a 17% graduation rate and an average student debt of $31,084. 

But here’s the twist, it got scooped up by Delaware State University, who saw something in Wesley they liked.

Now, it’s been reincarnated as Downtown DSU, with a new lease on life. 

Though the tuition may be steeper, a higher percentage of students receive financial aid…

And 87% of graduates soar off into the great unknown, either by continuing their education or landing their dream job. 

So, who knows, maybe Wesley College’s legacy lives on through its former students and its new home.

Texas College

Oh, Texas College, where the graduation rate is lower than a High School dropout’s chances of becoming a billionaire… 

And where the students can barely afford to keep the lights on after graduation. 

With a measly 12.4% graduation rate and 46% enrollment retention, this private university connected to the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church has a lot to answer for.

But wait, there’s more! 

Students don’t just struggle with actually graduating, they also struggle with finding a job after they do.

With median earnings of just $23,400 after 6 years and average student debt of $21,620….

Texas College is a financial trap waiting to happen.




Shaw University 

Shaw University, located in North Carolina, has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons. 

Even with its status as a private HBCU and affiliation with the American National Baptist Convention, this university managed to score a spot on the list of the worst colleges in America.

Guess being well-connected doesn’t always guarantee success!

With a graduation rate of just 17% and a transfer rate of 32%, Shaw University is making a name for itself as a place to avoid.

Students have been complaining about the size of the campus, the food in the cafeteria, and some unsupportive teachers.

This is definitely not the ideal university experience that most students are looking for. 

Shaw University needs to step up its game and provide a better college experience to students…

Or else they may find themselves losing more and more students every year.

The University of Alaska Anchorage 

Well, folks, we’ve finally reached the end of our list of the worst colleges in America. 

And what better way to wrap things up than with a school that’s colder than a penguin’s toes and has a graduation rate lower than a limbo stick? 

That’s right, we’re talking about the University of Alaska Anchorage. 

Between losing program certifications faster than a sled dog sheds fur and serving up dining hall meals that not even a hungry grizzly bear would touch… 

it’s no wonder this university made the cut. 

And with a price tag that could make an Alaskan winter feel warm and cozy, the only thing thriving at UAA seems to be student loan debt.

So, if you’re looking for a college experience that’ll leave you with subpar academics, freezing temperatures, and a mountain of debt, then the University of Alaska Anchorage might just be the place for you! 

But for the rest of us, it’s probably best to steer clear. wink

How to Avoid the Pitfalls of Worst Colleges in America and Find the Right Fit for You

Oh boy, are you in luck! 

Your favorite online neighbor and self-proclaimed greatest affiliate marketer (or not, let’s not get jealous now) is here to give you the 411 on picking a college that won’t totally suck. 

Alright, before you make that all-important decision, there are a few questions you should be asking yourself. 

And no, I’m not talking about “What’s my major?” or “Will there be a Starbucks on campus?”

I’m talking about the important stuff…

First and foremost, take a good look around the campus. 

Does it have an air of palpable desperation? 

Are the students walking around with a look of defeat in their eyes? 

If so, you might want to reconsider your options…

After all, who wants to spend four years at a college that’s basically a breeding ground for future therapy patients?

Next up, take a peek at the walls…

Are they adorned with pictures of dejected students? 

If the answer is yes, RUN, don’t walk, to the nearest exit. 

You don’t want to be spending your time at a college that’s already given up on its students before they’ve even set foot on campus.

And finally, pay close attention to those brochures…

Do they scream “please, anyone, enroll here?” 

If so, it’s time to cut your losses and move on. 

You want a college that’s confident in its ability to educate and inspire, not one that’s begging for warm bodies to fill its empty classrooms.

Final Thoughts

Well, there you have it folks! 

We’ve taken a tour of some of the most lackluster institutions of higher education in America. 

From dining hall food that looks like it was prepared by prison inmates to graduation rates lower than a limbo stick… These worst colleges in Ameica truly have it all (or, well, not much of anything).

But don’t despair, dear readers!

Just because you’ve got a less-than-stellar college experience doesn’t mean you’re doomed to a lifetime of ramen noodles and unpaid student loans. 

If you’re looking for some extra cash to help pay off those debts that’ll inevitably pile up no matter where you go to school… 

Be sure to check out the 97 side hustles I’ve scraped up for you. 

Who knows? You might just find the perfect gig to help you make ends meet!

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