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 gives you a solid but health-focused return. At a net price of $24,362 a year, you're paying a real premium for a private degree, and whether it pays off depends heavily on your major. The median earnings of $58,009 ten years out sit above the median debt of $27,000, which means the typical graduate ends up in workable territory rather than underwater.
The health programs are where Carroll earns its keep. Health Sciences graduates out-earn every other major here by more than $12,000, and nursing pays well in a Wisconsin market that keeps hiring nurses across Milwaukee-area hospitals. Computer Science also clears $60k. These are the degrees that justify the private-school price tag.
Business Administration is the weak spot. It's the lowest earner on the list while carrying the same $27,000 debt load as nursing, which pays over $15,000 more. If you're coming to Carroll for a general business degree, you're paying private tuition for a public-school return. Accounting does better and is the safer business track.
The main financial risk is the gap between programs. A 69.60% graduation rate means roughly one in three students doesn't finish, and debt without a degree is the worst outcome here. The 78.89% retention rate says a fifth of freshmen leave after year one.
The net price tiers help lower-income families most: under $48k income drops your cost to around $18,700, nearly $9,000 below what families over $110k pay. Carroll is a strong fit for you if you're headed into nursing, health sciences, or computing. If you want a general business degree and are price-sensitive, a public university will likely give you the same salary for less debt.
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.