At $24,842/yr net price, Carroll College graduates earn $61,772/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $27,772/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $24,842 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $99,368 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $61,772/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$27,772/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 66.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,757 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,986/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,302/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,494/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,393/yr |
| $110,001+ | $29,023/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 | $60,325 | $27,000 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $50,856 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $34,526 | $19,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $27,000 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $33,281 | |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $30,119 | $25,250 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Bachelor | $26,353 | $24,250 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $25,194 | |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $16,293 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
66.3% of students at Carroll College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 34% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Carroll College delivers solid financial returns for a small Montana liberal arts school, with graduates earning a median $61,772 ten years out while carrying manageable debt of $25,757. The school's engineering and nursing programs justify the investment, but education and liberal arts majors face tougher financial prospects.
Nursing stands out as Carroll's financial winner, generating $60,325 in median earnings with $27,000 in debt. Civil engineering also performs well at $50,856, though debt data isn't available. Business administration graduates earn a concerning $34,526 with $19,500 in debt, while education majors face the worst return at $33,993 with $27,000 in debt. Sociology rounds out the bottom at $33,281.
The 66% graduation rate creates significant financial risk since dropouts carry debt without degrees. Carroll's 81% retention rate suggests many students struggle with the academic transition or fit. Montana's limited job market compounds this risk, particularly for liberal arts graduates who may need to relocate for better opportunities.
Carroll works financially for pre-health students, engineering majors, and those planning nursing careers in Montana's healthcare system. Education majors should seriously reconsider given the poor salary-to-debt ratio. Liberal arts students need clear career plans and should expect to leave Montana for better-paying positions.
Only 18% of students receive federal aid, suggesting Carroll attracts middle-class families who won't qualify for need-based assistance. Focus on merit scholarships and consider Carroll's smaller applicant pool as leverage for better aid packages. The relatively low net price of $24,842 makes it affordable compared to similar private colleges, but only if you choose a financially viable major.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carroll College worth the money?
Carroll College graduates earn $61,772 ten years after graduation with median debt of $25,757, creating a reasonable debt-to-income ratio. The nursing and engineering programs offer strong returns, but other majors like sociology and education show weaker financial outcomes.
What are the best paying majors at Carroll College?
Nursing leads Carroll College's earnings with graduates making $60,325, followed by civil engineering at $50,856. Business, education, and sociology majors earn significantly less at $34,526, $33,993, and $33,281 respectively.
How much debt do Carroll College students typically graduate with?
Carroll College graduates leave with a median debt of $25,757, which is manageable compared to the $61,772 average earnings ten years post-graduation. The debt load represents roughly 5 months of typical graduate income.
Does Carroll College have good job placement after graduation?
Carroll College has a 66% graduation rate, which is below the national average for four-year colleges. Strong programs in nursing and engineering likely have better job prospects than the general student population.