At $21,188/yr net price, Caldwell University graduates earn $53,843/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $19,843/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,188 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $84,752 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $53,843/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$19,843/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 58.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $16,458/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,756/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,547/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $27,111/yr |
| $110,001+ | $31,640/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 | $72,134 | $26,000 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $59,124 | |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $55,512 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $55,286 | |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $48,041 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $47,260 | |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $40,485 | |
| Social Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $38,289 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $37,568 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $37,568 | $24,630 |
The Risk Factor
58.7% of students at Caldwell 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
Caldwell University delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. The school's nursing program stands out as the clear winner financially, with graduates earning $72,134 annually against just $26,000 in debt. Education majors also fare well, with special education graduates earning $59,124.
The university's $21,188 net price creates a manageable debt load for most students, with median debt at $25,000. However, the 58.7% graduation rate means four in ten students never finish their degrees, making them vulnerable to debt without the earnings boost. The 73% retention rate signals that many students struggle to stay enrolled beyond freshman year.
Business majors earn solid returns at $55,286, but psychology graduates face tougher financial prospects at $48,041. If you're considering psychology or other lower-earning programs, you need a clear career plan that justifies the investment.
Caldwell works best for nursing students who can access the strong healthcare job market in northern New Jersey. Education majors also benefit from New Jersey's relatively high teacher salaries. The school's location near New York City creates opportunities but also higher living costs that eat into your post-graduation budget.
With only 46% of students receiving aid, Caldwell may not offer generous financial assistance. Focus on completing your degree quickly to minimize costs and maximize your return. If you're not pursuing nursing or education, compare Caldwell's outcomes carefully against less expensive in-state options that might deliver similar career prospects at lower cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Caldwell University worth the cost?
Caldwell University's value depends heavily on your major. Nursing graduates earn $72,134 annually, making the $25,000 median debt worthwhile, but other programs show weaker returns with average earnings of $53,843 after 10 years.
What are the best paying majors at Caldwell University?
Nursing programs at Caldwell University offer the strongest ROI, with graduates earning around $72,000 annually. Special Education ($59,124) and Business Administration ($55,286) also provide decent returns, while psychology majors face lower earnings at $48,041.
How much debt do Caldwell University students typically graduate with?
Caldwell University students graduate with a median debt of $25,000. With a net price of $21,188 per year, this debt level is manageable for nursing majors but may strain graduates in lower-paying fields.
What is Caldwell University's graduation rate and job prospects?
Caldwell University has a 58.7% graduation rate, which is below average. However, graduates who complete nursing programs have strong job prospects with competitive salaries, while other majors face more uncertain career outcomes.