At $20,822/yr net price, Carlow University graduates earn $51,051/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $17,051/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,822 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $83,288 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $51,051/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$17,051/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 55.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $16,896/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,776/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,527/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,767/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,797/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. | Master | $87,051 | $54,092 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $81,812 | |
| Bioethics/Medical Ethics. | Master | $76,460 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $60,623 | $41,000 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $58,919 | $24,000 |
| Security Science and Technology. | Master | $52,941 | $34,166 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $42,682 | $21,500 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $39,369 | $55,109 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $37,748 | |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $36,132 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
55.2% of students at Carlow 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
Carlow University delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. The nursing programs justify the investment with graduates earning between $59,000 and $87,000 annually, well above the school's overall median of $51,051. Business administration also provides solid returns at $60,623, though you'll carry $41,000 in debt to get there.
The financial picture weakens considerably outside these core programs. With a 55% graduation rate, nearly half of students never finish their degrees, making the $25,500 median debt burden particularly risky for those who struggle academically. The 78% retention rate suggests many students recognize early that Carlow isn't working for them.
Your biggest financial risk at Carlow is choosing the wrong major. The earnings gap between nursing and lower-performing programs creates a sharp divide in post-graduation financial outcomes. Pittsburgh's healthcare-heavy job market favors Carlow's nursing focus, but other majors may struggle to compete locally.
Carlow makes financial sense if you're committed to nursing or can secure significant merit aid to reduce that $20,822 annual net price. The relatively low percentage of students receiving aid suggests merit opportunities may exist for strong applicants. However, if you're undecided about your major or interested in fields outside healthcare and business, you'll find better financial prospects elsewhere. The combination of modest overall earnings and below-average graduation rates makes Carlow a poor bet for students who aren't laser-focused on its strongest programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carlow University worth the cost?
Carlow's value depends heavily on your program choice. Nursing graduates earn $58,000-$87,000 annually, making the $25,500 median debt manageable, but other programs show weaker returns on the $20,822 annual net price.
What are the best paying majors at Carlow University?
Nursing programs dominate Carlow's highest-earning graduates, with some tracks reaching $87,000 annually. Business administration graduates average $60,600, while bioethics majors earn around $76,400.
How much debt do Carlow University students typically graduate with?
Carlow graduates carry a median debt of $25,500. With nursing graduates earning $58,000-$87,000, this debt load is reasonable for those programs, but may be challenging for lower-paying fields.
What is Carlow University's graduation rate and job prospects?
Only 55% of Carlow students graduate, which is below the national average. However, nursing program graduates find strong job markets in healthcare, with starting salaries that justify the investment.