Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 54.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 52.1%
- Retention Rate
- 73.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $48,793
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 57.9%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $265/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $48,198 | $23,250 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $34,259 | $19,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $24,625 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $26,739 | $25,863 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $26,121 | $25,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $23,693 | |
| Music. | Bachelor | $22,482 | $27,000 |
Outcomes Overview
Catawba graduates earn a median of $48,793 within ten years, putting their typical debt load of $25,000 at a manageable 51% debt-to-earnings ratio. Monthly loan payments of $265 consume about 6.5% of gross income, below the recommended 10% threshold. The college's strong theater and music programs often launch graduates into creative fields, though the 96.8% employment rate suggests diverse career paths. With 57.87% of borrowers successfully repaying loans, financial outcomes appear stable if not spectacular. The relatively low debt burden compared to the $47,350 total cost reflects significant institutional aid averaging $26,913. This represents an average return on investment for a small liberal arts education.