At $27,654/yr net price, Baldwin Wallace University graduates earn $54,122/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $20,122/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $27,654 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $110,616 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,122/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$20,122/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 68.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $22,095/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $21,648/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $23,535/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $27,515/yr |
| $110,001+ | $30,725/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $104,192 | $97,220 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $86,129 | $31,500 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $61,516 | $23,750 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $60,275 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $53,984 | $27,000 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $50,677 | $27,000 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $47,846 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $47,846 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $44,933 | $38,997 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $44,384 |
The Risk Factor
68.6% of students at Baldwin Wallace University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 31% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Baldwin Wallace University delivers mixed financial returns, with strong outcomes in select professional programs but concerning debt levels in its highest-paying field. Your financial success depends heavily on your major choice and career focus.
Allied Health programs produce the highest earnings at $104,192 annually, but graduates carry nearly $100,000 in debt. This creates a challenging debt-to-income ratio that requires careful financial planning. Business Administration offers better balance with $86,129 earnings and $31,500 debt. Nursing graduates earn $61,516 with manageable $23,750 debt, making it one of the school's better financial bets.
The 68% graduation rate creates risk for your investment. If you don't complete your degree, you face debt without the earning power to justify it. The school's 85% retention rate suggests most students who start their second year do finish, but the overall completion rate remains concerning.
Baldwin Wallace works best financially if you pursue business, nursing, or accounting programs and graduate on time. Avoid Allied Health unless you have substantial family support or clear career plans that justify the debt load. The school's Ohio location limits your job market compared to major metropolitan areas.
Only 29% of students receive need-based aid, suggesting limited financial assistance for middle-income families. Merit scholarships may be available, but you should negotiate aggressively and compare offers from similar regional schools. Consider this school only if your chosen program aligns with the higher-earning majors and you can minimize borrowing through scholarships or family support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baldwin Wallace University worth the cost?
Baldwin Wallace graduates earn $54,122 ten years after graduation with typical debt of $27,000, which creates a manageable debt-to-income ratio. The return on investment depends heavily on your major, with allied health programs showing strong earnings potential but other fields performing more modestly.
What majors at Baldwin Wallace University have the best ROI?
Allied health diagnostic programs lead with $104,192 average earnings, followed by business administration at $86,129. Nursing and accounting programs show solid mid-range returns, while other majors may struggle to justify the $27,654 annual cost.
How much debt do Baldwin Wallace University students typically graduate with?
Baldwin Wallace graduates carry a median debt of $27,000, which is reasonable compared to many private colleges. With starting salaries varying widely by program, students in lower-paying fields may find this debt burden challenging.
Does Baldwin Wallace University provide good financial aid?
The net price of $27,654 suggests Baldwin Wallace offers moderate financial aid, though this still represents a significant investment. Students should carefully compare aid packages and consider in-state public alternatives for better value in most fields.