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 runs a risky financial profile. You pay about $20,739 a year net, and ten years after enrolling the median graduate earns $46,945. That gap only works out if you actually finish, and the numbers say most people don't. The graduation rate sits at 29.9%, and only about 40% of students return for a second year. If you're paying tuition and drop out before the degree, you carry the cost without the earnings that justify it.
The median debt of $21,534 is close to one year's net price, which is manageable against a $46,945 salary if you graduate. The problem is the odds of getting there. With six in ten students not returning after year one, the biggest financial risk here isn't debt size , it's paying for a degree you never receive.
No bachelor-level program earnings are listed, so there's no way to say which majors here pay off and which don't. Go in knowing that specific outcome data by field isn't available to guide your choice.
The net price tiers are unusual. If your family earns under $48k, you pay around $19,800 , less than families in the $48-75k and $75-110k brackets, who pay closer to $23,000. Middle-income families actually pay the most here, so don't assume more income means a better deal.
This school fits you if you're confident you'll finish and stay locally, where the degree can pay back over time. If there's any chance you'll leave early, the low retention rate makes that a costly bet, and you should look at options with stronger completion numbers.
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.