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 gives you a moderate financial return with real variation by major. Median earnings ten years out land at $63,446, and median debt of $22,500 stays below that first-year earnings figure, so most graduates can service their loans. But a 51% graduation rate and 69% retention rate mean the risk here is finishing at all, not the debt load if you do.
Nursing is the clear win. It pays the most of any program here and carries the lowest debt at $12,500, so nursing graduates leave with strong earnings and little to pay back. Human Resources Management pays well too, but you borrow more than double the nursing amount to get there, which eats into the return.
The business-track majors are where the math weakens. Accounting and Finance both pay under $47,000 while carrying $20,000-plus in debt. That combination gives you the tightest cushion between what you owe and what you earn, so those degrees pay off slowly.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay around $19,000 a year. That jumps to about $23,500 in the $48-75k band and climbs past $28,000 above $110k. The gap between the bottom and top tiers is roughly $9,000 a year, so higher earners subsidize a larger share of the sticker price.
This school fits you if you are aiming for nursing and can commit to finishing. The low nursing debt and high nursing pay make that path worth it. If you plan to study accounting or finance and expect a fast payoff, or if there's real doubt you'll graduate given the retention numbers, look at cheaper options before committing.
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.