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 gives you a mixed financial picture that hinges almost entirely on your major. Median earnings ten years out sit below what many New Jersey graduates need to cover the state's high cost of living, and with a 58.70% graduation rate, more than four in ten of you won't finish on time or at all. That last figure is the biggest financial risk here: you can take on debt without the degree that pays it back.
Nursing is the clear payoff. It pays roughly $35,000 more per year than the business degree, the most common major at many schools, and its debt load barely differs. If you come to Caldwell for nursing, the numbers work, especially given the strong demand for nurses across northern New Jersey hospitals.
Almost everything else is a harder sell. Teacher education, English, social sciences, and business all land in the high $30,000s to high $40,000s, which trails what you'd earn in the region without a four-year degree by a smaller margin than you'd want after borrowing $25,000. Business, the entry point for many of you, pays the least among the top programs listed.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay around $16,000 a year, less than the sticker price and less than the $27,000-plus charged to families earning $75,000 or more. Middle- and upper-income families see the price climb sharply, so the value proposition weakens as your income rises.
Caldwell is a good financial fit if you're set on nursing or come from a lower-income household. If you're aiming at business, English, or the social sciences and paying the upper-tier price, look hard at cheaper in-state options before you commit.
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.