At $18,210/yr net price, Catawba College graduates earn $48,793/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $14,793/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,210 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $72,840 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,793/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$14,793/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 52.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,892/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,838/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,971/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,531/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,348/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
52.1% of students at Catawba College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Catawba College delivers mediocre financial returns with significant risks that make it a poor choice for most students. Your median post-graduation earnings of $48,793 barely justify the investment, especially when nearly half of students never graduate.
The graduation rate of 52% represents a massive financial gamble. You face better than coin-flip odds of leaving with debt but no degree. Even if you do graduate, your earning potential varies wildly by major. Business administration graduates earn $48,198 annually with manageable debt of $23,250, making it the only program that approaches reasonable returns. Education majors face particularly harsh economics, earning just $34,259 while carrying substantial debt loads.
Biology and health/fitness majors get especially poor deals, with biology graduates earning only $26,739 despite accumulating $25,863 in debt. These programs essentially guarantee you'll struggle to service your student loans on typical starting salaries.
The school's 73% retention rate signals student dissatisfaction, likely reflecting academic struggles or buyer's remorse about the investment. With nearly 40% of students receiving financial aid, Catawba appears to offer meaningful assistance, but this hasn't translated into strong outcomes.
You should consider Catawba only if you're pursuing business administration and confident in your ability to graduate. The regional job market in North Carolina provides some opportunities, but the school's weak graduation rates suggest many students transfer elsewhere or drop out entirely. Students interested in education or sciences should look at public universities where similar programs cost less and often provide better career preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Catawba College worth the money?
Catawba College graduates earn a median of $48,793 ten years after graduation, which is below average for the $18,210 annual net price. With a 52% graduation rate and $25,000 in median debt, the financial return is modest compared to peer institutions.
What are the best paying majors at Catawba College?
Business Administration graduates from Catawba College earn the highest median salary at $48,198. Education majors earn significantly less at $34,259, while Biology and Health/Physical Education graduates start around $26,000.
How much debt do Catawba College students graduate with?
Catawba College graduates have a median debt of $25,000. This debt level is manageable for business majors but creates financial strain for education and health majors who earn significantly less after graduation.
Does Catawba College have good job placement after graduation?
Catawba College's 52% graduation rate indicates that nearly half of students don't complete their degree. While business program graduates see decent earnings, other majors face limited earning potential relative to their investment.