At $13,308/yr net price, Chadron State College graduates earn $47,002/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $13,002/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,308 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $53,232 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $47,002/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$13,002/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 38.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,875 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,639/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,954/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,550/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,009/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,418/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $73,949 | $21,466 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $69,338 | $19,829 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $58,673 | |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $56,415 | $18,555 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $47,260 | |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $42,235 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $41,844 | $21,975 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $37,699 | $18,186 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $37,568 | $20,250 |
| Parks, Recreation, Leisure, and Fitness Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $35,060 | $24,125 |
The Risk Factor
38.1% of students at Chadron State College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Chadron State College delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. The low net price of $13,308 annually makes it affordable, but the 38% graduation rate creates significant risk that you'll accumulate debt without earning a degree.
Business Administration stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $73,949 annually against manageable debt of $21,466. Educational Administration also performs well at $69,338, though this typically requires graduate study. The psychology and education programs show weaker returns, with Clinical Psychology graduates earning just $47,260 despite the investment.
The school's location in rural Nebraska limits your job market options after graduation. Most high-paying opportunities will require you to relocate to Omaha, Lincoln, or out-of-state. This geographic constraint particularly hurts graduates in specialized fields who need urban job markets to maximize their earnings potential.
You face substantial completion risk here. The 69% retention rate and 38% graduation rate mean many students never finish their degrees. If you struggle academically or lack strong motivation, consider schools with better support systems and higher completion rates.
Chadron State works best for Nebraska residents pursuing business or education who want to minimize debt while staying in-state. The low sticker price helps offset the modest earnings outcomes for most majors. However, if you're considering psychology or other lower-earning programs, you'll find better ROI at larger state universities with stronger career services and alumni networks.
Merit aid opportunities appear limited given that only 36% of students receive aid. Focus on federal grants and work-study programs to keep costs down further.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chadron State College worth the cost?
Chadron State College offers a relatively low net price at $13,308 annually, but graduates earn only $47,002 ten years after enrollment. The 38% graduation rate means many students don't finish their degrees, which significantly impacts return on investment.
What programs at Chadron State College have the best ROI?
Business Administration graduates from Chadron State College earn $73,949 annually, making it the strongest financial choice. Educational Administration ($69,338) and Student Counseling ($58,673) also provide decent returns compared to the school's overall graduate earnings.
How much debt do Chadron State College graduates typically have?
Chadron State College graduates carry a median debt of $18,875, which is manageable compared to many schools. However, with average earnings of $47,002, graduates will still face a reasonable debt-to-income ratio if they complete their degree.
What are the biggest risks of attending Chadron State College?
The primary risk is the 38% graduation rate, meaning 6 out of 10 students don't finish their degree. Students who drop out lose their investment without gaining the credential needed for higher earnings.