At $23,529/yr net price, Benedictine University graduates earn $63,446/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $29,446/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,529 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $94,116 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $63,446/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$29,446/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 51.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,282/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,035/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $23,587/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $27,639/yr |
| $110,001+ | $28,307/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. | Master | $85,538 | $34,110 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $71,661 | $54,667 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $69,710 | $12,500 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $63,328 | $55,614 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $63,005 | $29,048 |
| Public Health. | Master | $59,824 | $67,599 |
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other. | Bachelor | $57,318 | $18,750 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $46,790 | $20,500 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $46,087 | $24,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $45,852 | $23,000 |
The Risk Factor
51.0% of students at Benedictine University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Benedictine University delivers mixed financial returns with significant variation across programs. The nursing program stands out as the clear winner, generating $85,538 in median earnings with manageable debt levels. Business administration also performs well at $71,661 annually, though graduates carry higher debt loads.
Your program choice matters enormously here. Nursing graduates earn 35% more than the overall median while keeping debt reasonable. Human resources programs show weaker returns, with earnings barely above the school median despite substantial borrowing requirements. The wide debt range across identical program names suggests inconsistent financial aid packaging.
The 51% graduation rate presents a major financial risk. Nearly half of students leave without degrees but may still carry debt. The 69% retention rate signals academic or financial struggles that could derail your investment early.
This school works best for career-focused students entering high-demand fields like nursing or business. The relatively low net price of $23,529 makes it accessible compared to similar private institutions. However, students considering liberal arts or lower-earning majors should examine job placement data carefully before enrolling.
Financial aid reaches only 39% of students, limiting support for middle-income families. Merit scholarship opportunities appear limited based on the aid distribution. Your best cost strategy involves targeting programs with proven earning potential and completing your degree within four years to avoid additional debt accumulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Benedictine University worth the cost?
Benedictine University's graduates earn $63,446 annually ten years after enrollment, which is modest for a $23,529 yearly net price. The nursing programs show strong returns at $85,538, but the 51% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish their degrees.
What are the best paying programs at Benedictine University?
Nursing programs at Benedictine University offer the strongest financial returns, with graduates earning around $85,538 annually. Business administration graduates earn $71,661, while human resources programs produce more modest returns around $63,000.
How much student debt do Benedictine University graduates have?
Benedictine University graduates carry a median debt of $22,500, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. However, this debt load becomes concerning given the low 51% graduation rate and modest earnings for most programs outside of nursing.
Does Benedictine University have good financial aid?
Benedictine University's net price of $23,529 suggests decent financial aid packages that bring costs below the sticker price. The 93% acceptance rate indicates the school is accessible, but students should carefully consider program choice given the graduation rate challenges.