At $20,739/yr net price, Calumet College of Saint Joseph graduates earn $46,945/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $12,945/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,739 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $82,956 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $46,945/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$12,945/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 29.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,534 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,752/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,938/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,838/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,258/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,254/yr |
The Risk Factor
29.9% of students at Calumet College of Saint Joseph graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Calumet College of Saint Joseph presents a concerning financial picture with weak returns across most metrics. Your median earnings of $46,945 ten years after graduation barely justify the $20,739 annual net price, especially when nearly 70% of students never finish their degree.
The school's 30% graduation rate creates the biggest financial risk. You face steep odds of accumulating debt without earning a credential, and the 40% retention rate suggests many students recognize this early. Even graduates who complete their degrees earn below-average salaries for college graduates in the Midwest.
Business and education programs at Calumet tend to produce the most viable career outcomes given the regional job market in northwest Indiana and nearby Chicago suburbs. Healthcare-related majors also connect well with local hospital systems. Liberal arts programs show weaker employment prospects in this industrial region.
You should consider Calumet only if you need the flexibility of a small private college and can afford to finish without excessive borrowing. The school works best for working adults in the area who need evening classes and can leverage existing professional networks. Traditional students with strong academic records will find better ROI at Indiana's public universities.
Financial aid covers roughly half of students, but merit scholarships remain limited given the school's financial constraints. Your best cost strategy involves completing the degree quickly and avoiding additional borrowing beyond the median debt load. The school's location near Chicago provides job market access, but only if you actually graduate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Calumet College of Saint Joseph worth the cost?
With graduates earning $46,945 ten years after enrollment and a net price of $20,739 annually, Calumet College offers modest returns compared to many four-year institutions. The low 30% graduation rate means significant risk that students may accumulate debt without completing their degree.
What is the job market like for Calumet College of Saint Joseph graduates?
Calumet graduates earn below the national average for college graduates, with median earnings around $47,000 a decade after enrollment. The school's location in northwest Indiana provides access to Chicago-area jobs, but the relatively low earnings suggest limited career advancement opportunities.
How much debt do Calumet College of Saint Joseph students typically graduate with?
Students who complete their degree at Calumet typically graduate with $21,534 in debt. This debt load is manageable relative to the school's costs, but the high dropout rate means many students may leave with debt and no degree to show for it.
What are the best programs at Calumet College of Saint Joseph for return on investment?
Calumet's nursing and education programs historically provide the most stable career paths, though specific salary data by major is limited. Given the school's overall low graduation rate, prospective students should carefully research completion rates and job placement for their intended program before enrolling.