At $22,909/yr net price, Cedar Crest College graduates earn $59,460/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $25,460/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $22,909 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $91,636 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $59,460/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$25,460/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 58.2% |
| 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 | $19,765/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $21,696/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,105/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,635/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,406/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $64,406 | $29,170 |
| Education, General. | Master | $46,869 | |
| Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services. | Certificate | $45,696 | $20,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $44,021 | |
| Criminology. | Bachelor | $33,993 | |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $33,565 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $32,925 | |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $29,141 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $28,443 | $28,000 |
The Risk Factor
58.2% of students at Cedar Crest 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
Cedar Crest College delivers mixed financial returns, with nursing graduates earning solid salaries but several other programs falling short of the investment required. The $22,909 annual net price creates a manageable debt load for most students, though graduation rates below 60% signal completion risks.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $64,406 annually against $29,170 in debt. This program justifies the college's cost structure and positions graduates well in Pennsylvania's healthcare job market. Education majors earn $46,869, providing decent returns for those committed to teaching careers in the Lehigh Valley region.
Business and criminology programs present weaker value propositions. Business graduates earn just $44,021, while criminology majors average $33,993 annually. These earnings barely justify the debt burden when compared to career alternatives that don't require a four-year degree.
The college works best for nursing students and those who need a smaller campus environment to succeed academically. The 77% retention rate suggests many students find the support they need to persist. However, you should look elsewhere if you're considering criminology or business, as regional job markets don't support strong returns in these fields.
With only 39% of students receiving financial aid, Cedar Crest appears to target families who can afford higher education costs. The relatively low median debt of $27,000 reflects this positioning. Merit scholarships may be available, but the limited aid percentage suggests you'll likely pay close to the sticker price unless you qualify for need-based assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cedar Crest College worth the money?
Cedar Crest College's return on investment depends heavily on your major. Nursing graduates earn $64,406 annually, making the $27,000 median debt manageable, but other programs like criminology ($33,993) offer weaker returns for the cost.
What is Cedar Crest College's job placement rate after graduation?
Cedar Crest College has a 58% graduation rate, which is below the national average for four-year colleges. The college doesn't publish specific job placement rates, but nursing graduates typically find employment more easily than other majors.
How much debt do Cedar Crest College students graduate with?
Cedar Crest College students graduate with a median debt of $27,000. This debt load is reasonable for nursing majors who earn $64,406, but creates financial strain for graduates in lower-paying fields like criminology or education.
Are Cedar Crest College graduates underpaid compared to other schools?
Cedar Crest College graduates earn $59,460 ten years after graduation, which is below average for college graduates nationally. The school's strength in nursing helps raise this average, but non-healthcare majors typically earn significantly less.