At $25,022/yr net price, Cedarville University graduates earn $55,443/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $21,443/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $25,022 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $100,088 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $55,443/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$21,443/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 74.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,937 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $20,956/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,952/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,141/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,138/yr |
| $110,001+ | $28,319/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $96,183 | $125,673 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $73,635 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $69,338 | $27,000 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $67,101 | |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $62,409 | $24,697 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $57,318 | $16,750 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $57,318 | $22,125 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $56,532 | $25,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $50,270 | $25,000 |
| Education, General. | Master | $41,193 |
The Risk Factor
74.3% of students at Cedarville University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 26% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Cedarville University delivers solid returns for engineering and computer science majors but weak outcomes for most other programs. The pharmacy program earns $96,183 annually but saddles graduates with $125,673 in debt, creating a concerning debt-to-income ratio that delays financial payoff for years.
Your best financial bets are computer engineering and computer science, which produce strong salaries with manageable debt loads. Engineering majors generally see positive returns, with mechanical engineering graduates earning $62,409 while carrying only $24,697 in debt. These technical programs leverage Ohio's manufacturing base and growing tech sector effectively.
The school's 74% graduation rate means one in four students never finish, losing their investment entirely. With only 15% of students receiving aid, most families pay close to the full $25,022 net price, making this an expensive choice for average-performing majors.
Cedarville works financially if you can secure merit aid and plan to study engineering or computer science. The strong retention rate suggests most students who start will finish. However, if you're considering liberal arts, education, or business programs, you'll likely find better ROI elsewhere. The school's Christian focus appeals to specific families, but this shouldn't override financial reality if your major lacks earning power.
Skip Cedarville if you need significant financial aid or plan to major outside STEM fields. The combination of high costs and limited aid makes this a risky choice unless you have clear career goals in technical fields where the school's graduates perform well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cedarville University worth the cost?
Cedarville's value depends heavily on your major. Pharmacy and engineering graduates earn $62,000-$96,000 annually, making the $25,022 yearly cost worthwhile. However, graduates in other programs may struggle to justify the expense with the overall median earnings of $55,443.
What are the highest paying majors at Cedarville University?
Pharmacy leads at $96,183 in median earnings, followed by computer engineering at $73,635 and computer science at $69,338. These technical programs offer the strongest return on investment at Cedarville.
How much debt do Cedarville University graduates typically have?
The median debt is $20,937, which is manageable for high-earning majors like pharmacy and engineering. Students in lower-paying programs may face debt-to-income ratios that make repayment challenging.
Does Cedarville University provide good financial aid?
With a net price of $25,022 per year, Cedarville offers moderate financial assistance. The key factor is choosing a program that leads to earnings high enough to justify this cost after graduation.