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$22,650Tuition
560Students
30%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$46,945Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearNJCAAData: 2023-24Roman Catholic

About Calumet College of Saint Joseph

Calumet College of Saint Joseph caters to students who need education to fit around their lives rather than the other way around. This small Catholic institution serves just 560 students with flexible class schedules designed for working adults and non-traditional learners. The suburban Chicago location in Whiting, Indiana puts students close to major employment centers while keeping costs manageable.

Students pay an average net price of $20,739 after financial aid, with nearly half receiving Pell Grants. Graduates earn a median of $46,945 ten years after graduation, making the typical monthly loan payment of $228 relatively manageable. The median debt load of $21,534 reflects the school's commitment to keeping education affordable for working-class students. However, the 29.90% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their degrees.

The student body is remarkably diverse, with 28.57% Black students and 34.11% Hispanic students creating a truly multicultural environment. Men outnumber women nearly two to one at 65.71%. With 14 varsity sports and 332 total athletes competing at the NJCAA level, athletics play an outsized role for such a small school. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention, though the 39.62% retention rate indicates the demanding balance between work and study proves challenging for many.

Academics & Faculty

This Catholic college has built its reputation around serving adult learners and working students through flexible scheduling and evening classes. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio provides personalized attention that working adults often need to balance career and education. However, the 29.90% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many part-time students face completing degrees while managing work and family responsibilities. The college offers professional-focused programs in business, criminal justice, and education that align with career advancement goals. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves a population seeking affordable pathways to higher education. The small size of 560 students creates an intimate learning environment where professors know students by name.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
13:1
Full-Time Faculty
35.9%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
27.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
29.9%
Retention Rate
39.6%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$46,945
Carnegie Classification
Master's University (Small)

Campus Life

Campus life at Calumet College revolves around its working adult population, with 65.71% male enrollment reflecting its career-focused mission. Only 113 students can live on campus out of 560 total enrollment, meaning most commute from the Chicago metropolitan area about 30 minutes away. Students bundle classes into convenient blocks to accommodate work schedules, creating a bustling but brief campus presence during peak hours.

Winter coats are essential in northwest Indiana, where snow and freezing temperatures dominate from December through February. The Crimson Wave fields 14 varsity sports with 332 total athletes, creating athletic energy despite the small size. Weekends often mean work shifts rather than traditional college parties, though the 13:1 student-faculty ratio fosters close mentoring relationships. The diverse student body includes 28.57% Black students and 34.11% Hispanic students, reflecting the surrounding industrial corridor's demographics. Study groups frequently meet in nearby coffee shops or the library, where conversations blend homework with career advancement strategies.
Setting
Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity
113 beds
Calendar System
Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg
20°–31°F
July Avg
67°–81°F
Annual Precipitation
40.3"
Annual Snowfall
38.8"

Student Demographics

This Catholic college draws heavily from northwest Indiana, with 70% of students staying close to home for their education. The student body reflects the diverse industrial communities surrounding Chicago, with significant Black and Hispanic populations making up nearly two-thirds of enrollment. Men outnumber women by a 2-to-1 ratio, likely drawn to the college's career-focused programs and flexible scheduling that accommodates working adults. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, showing Calumet's commitment to serving first-generation and lower-income students from the Rust Belt region who need affordable, accessible higher education.
Men
65.7%
Women
34.3%
White
27.7%
Black
28.6%
Hispanic
34.1%
Asian
0.9%
In-State Students
70.2%
Pell Grant Recipients
48.5%

Location

Calumet College of Saint Joseph sits in Whiting, Indiana, just 20 miles southeast of downtown Chicago. The college draws 70% of its students from Indiana, taking advantage of its proximity to the Chicago metropolitan area. Whiting is an industrial suburb along Lake Michigan's southern shore, known for its refinery operations and blue-collar heritage. The location offers students access to Chicago's job market and cultural opportunities while maintaining small-town affordability. With only 560 students enrolled, the campus provides an intimate setting in the greater Chicagoland region. Students considering colleges in Indiana may also compare Calumet College of Saint Joseph with similar schools in the region.
Address
Whiting, Indiana 46394

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$46,945
Median Earnings (5 years)
$57,079
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$40,000
Loan Repayment Rate
35.3%
Monthly Loan Payment
$228/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,534

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Calumet College of Saint Joseph?

The college accepts students with a wide range of academic backgrounds, reflected in its 39.62% retention rate. As a small Catholic institution with 560 students, it focuses on serving adult learners and working students with flexible scheduling options.

How much does Calumet College of Saint Joseph cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $20,739 annually, with 48.49% receiving financial aid. The college keeps costs relatively accessible with tuition at $22,650 and graduates typically carrying $21,534 in debt.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Calumet College of Saint Joseph?

Classes maintain a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, providing personalized attention in small settings. The college is known for accommodating working adults with flexible class schedules and practical career-focused programs.

What are the graduation rates at Calumet College of Saint Joseph?

The six-year graduation rate stands at 29.90%, while the four-year rate is 27.32%. Despite these challenges, graduates achieve a 100% employment rate and earn a median salary of $46,945 within ten years of graduation.

Where do students live at Calumet College of Saint Joseph?

The campus houses only 113 students in residential facilities, as most of the 560 enrolled students commute from the greater Chicago area. With 70.21% of students coming from in-state, many live at home while attending classes in suburban Whiting.

How diverse is the student body at Calumet College of Saint Joseph?

The student population is remarkably diverse, with 34.11% Hispanic students, 28.57% Black students, and 27.68% White students. Men comprise 65.71% of enrollment, reflecting the college's appeal to working adults in blue-collar industries around the industrial northwest Indiana region.