At $24,362/yr net price, Carroll University graduates earn $58,009/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $24,009/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $24,362 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $97,448 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $58,009/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$24,009/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 69.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,992/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,701/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,720/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,198/yr |
| $110,001+ | $27,395/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $108,426 | $91,152 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $74,576 | |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $71,326 | $41,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $65,797 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $62,012 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $61,317 | $27,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $54,644 | $25,434 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $51,273 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $45,618 | $27,000 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Bachelor | $43,128 |
The Risk Factor
69.6% of students at Carroll University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 30% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Carroll University delivers solid returns for health and business majors but struggles in other areas. The $24,362 annual net price creates reasonable debt loads for most graduates, with median debt at $27,000.
Allied health programs justify their high costs with $108,426 median earnings, though you'll graduate with $91,152 in debt. Rehabilitation and therapeutic professions offer better debt-to-income ratios at $71,326 earnings with $41,000 debt. Health services and business administration both clear $65,000 annually, making them financially sound choices.
Computer science graduates earn $62,012, which lags behind national averages for the field. Programs outside the top five likely produce weaker returns given the overall median of $58,009.
The 69.6% graduation rate creates real dropout risk, meaning you could end up with debt but no degree. The 78.9% retention rate suggests first-year satisfaction issues that could signal academic or social fit problems.
Only 21.65% of students receive aid, indicating limited need-based assistance. This makes Carroll a better fit for middle and upper-middle-class families who can handle the sticker price without extensive borrowing.
You should consider Carroll if you're pursuing health sciences, business, or rehabilitation programs and can afford the cost without excessive debt. Skip it if you're interested in other majors, need substantial financial aid, or want stronger computer science outcomes. The Milwaukee-area job market supports health and business graduates well, but career prospects vary significantly by program choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carroll University worth the cost?
Carroll University's ROI depends heavily on your major. Allied health programs deliver strong returns with median earnings of $108,426, but the overall 10-year earnings average of $58,009 makes the $24,362 annual cost questionable for many other programs.
What are the highest paying majors at Carroll University?
Allied health diagnostic and treatment programs top the list at $108,426 median earnings, followed by general health sciences at $74,576. Business and computer science graduates earn around $65,000 and $62,000 respectively, which barely justifies the total cost of attendance.
How much debt do Carroll University graduates have?
Carroll University graduates leave with a median debt of $27,000. With average 10-year earnings of $58,009, most graduates can manage this debt load, though those in lower-paying majors may struggle.
Does Carroll University have good job prospects after graduation?
Job prospects vary significantly by program at Carroll University. The 69.6% graduation rate is concerning, and only health-related fields show strong earnings potential that justify the investment.