At $24,813/yr net price, Carthage College graduates earn $56,950/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $22,950/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $24,813 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $99,252 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $56,950/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$22,950/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 60.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,307/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $20,228/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,692/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,465/yr |
| $110,001+ | $27,527/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $60,094 | |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $53,537 | $25,709 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $52,524 | $22,250 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $49,615 | $27,000 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $46,357 | $26,697 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | Bachelor | $43,798 | |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $41,193 | $27,000 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Bachelor | $38,153 | $25,454 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $38,072 | $25,000 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $37,856 | $26,000 |
The Risk Factor
60.5% of students at Carthage College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 40% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Carthage College delivers middling financial returns that vary dramatically by major choice. Computer science graduates earn $60,094 annually, making it the clear winner for ROI at this Wisconsin liberal arts school. Finance and accounting also generate solid returns above $50,000, with accounting graduates carrying notably lower debt loads at $22,250.
Business majors face weaker prospects, with general business administration graduates earning just $49,615 despite carrying $27,000 in debt. Marketing shows the poorest return at $46,357 annually. These earnings barely justify the investment given Carthage's $24,813 annual net price.
The school's 60% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. Nearly four in ten students leave without a degree but may still carry debt. This makes Carthage particularly risky if you're uncertain about your major or academic preparation.
Carthage works financially for students targeting high-earning majors like computer science or accounting who can secure merit aid. The school's relatively low aid percentage means most families pay close to full price. You should have strong academic credentials to maximize scholarship opportunities and clear career direction toward the school's better-paying programs.
Skip Carthage if you're undecided on major, interested in lower-earning fields, or need substantial financial aid. The combination of modest earnings potential and limited aid makes this school expensive for uncertain returns. Regional public universities offer better value for most Wisconsin residents seeking similar programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carthage College worth the cost?
Carthage College graduates earn $56,950 after 10 years, which is modest given the $24,813 annual net price. The 60.5% graduation rate means 4 out of 10 students don't finish, making this a risky investment for many students.
What are the best paying majors at Carthage College?
Computer science graduates from Carthage earn $60,094 annually, making it the only program that clearly justifies the cost. Finance ($53,537) and accounting ($52,524) also provide decent returns, while marketing graduates earn just $46,357.
How much debt do Carthage College students graduate with?
Carthage students graduate with a median debt of $26,000, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. However, the relatively low starting salaries mean debt payments will still be a significant burden for most graduates.
Does Carthage College provide good financial aid?
The net price of $24,813 suggests decent financial aid for a private college, though this still represents a substantial investment. Students should carefully consider their major and career goals before committing to this cost level.