At $27,477/yr net price, Benedictine College graduates earn $53,175/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $19,175/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $27,477 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $109,908 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $53,175/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$19,175/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 65.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,599 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $22,718/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $21,531/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $23,404/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $26,224/yr |
| $110,001+ | $30,253/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $55,383 | $21,489 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $51,273 | $21,500 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $46,087 | $26,919 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $42,682 | $27,000 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $42,682 | $25,701 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $36,272 | $22,869 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $32,213 | $24,750 |
| Criminology. | Bachelor | $28,212 | |
| Journalism. | Bachelor | $25,774 |
The Risk Factor
65.1% of students at Benedictine College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 35% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Benedictine College delivers mixed financial returns with a median graduate earning $53,175 annually, which barely justifies its $27,477 annual net price for most students. Your investment pays off best in nursing, where graduates earn $55,383 with relatively low debt of $21,489, making it the clear winner among programs offered.
Business majors face tougher math. Accounting graduates earn $51,273 but finance and marketing majors start around $42,000-$46,000, creating a lengthy payback period given the school's cost. The $27,000 debt load for business administration graduates particularly hurts given their $42,682 starting salary.
The bigger concern is Benedictine's 65% graduation rate and 80% retention rate, meaning one in three students don't finish. Combined with limited financial aid coverage (only 16% of students receive aid), you'll likely pay close to sticker price. The Kansas job market offers fewer high-paying opportunities than major metropolitan areas, making the debt burden harder to manage.
Benedictine makes financial sense if you're pursuing nursing or can afford the full cost without significant borrowing. The school's Catholic mission attracts students willing to pay premium prices for the religious environment, but this comes at a steep financial cost. If you need substantial financial aid or plan to study liberal arts without clear career direction, you'll find better value elsewhere. The combination of high costs, modest aid, and regional job market constraints creates financial risk for most students outside nursing programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Benedictine College worth the cost?
Benedictine College graduates earn $53,175 ten years after graduation, which is modest for a school with a $27,477 annual net price. The nursing programs offer better returns at $55,383, but other majors like marketing ($42,682) may struggle to justify the cost.
What is the return on investment for Benedictine College degrees?
The ROI varies significantly by major at Benedictine College. Nursing and accounting graduates see reasonable returns, while business and marketing majors earn less than $43,000 annually, making debt repayment challenging.
How much debt do Benedictine College students graduate with?
Benedictine College graduates have a median debt of $24,599. With average earnings of $53,175, this debt load is manageable but leaves little room for error if graduates struggle to find employment.
Which Benedictine College programs have the best job prospects?
Nursing programs at Benedictine College offer the strongest career outcomes, with graduates earning $55,383 annually. The 65% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their programs, which impacts overall employment prospects.