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 gives you a low-cost degree with modest earnings on the other side. At about $13,000 a year net, the price is well below most four-year schools, and median debt at graduation stays under $19,000. But median earnings ten years out land near $47,000, so this is a value play built on keeping costs down, not on high salaries.
The program data reinforces that. Teacher education pays the most here, but even the top track brings in under $42,000 with debt around $22,000. Business administration and psychology land lower, and psychology graduates leave with more debt than they earn back quickly. None of the listed bachelor's programs clear the school's overall $47,000 median, which tells you the higher earners come from majors not broken out in this data. If you enroll in teaching or business, expect a stable regional career, not a high-income one.
The real risk here is completion. Only 38% of students graduate, and about 30% don't return after their first year. If you borrow, start a program, and leave without a degree, you carry the debt without the earnings bump. That's the single biggest financial threat at this school.
The net price tiers work in your favor if your family earns under $48,000, where you pay closer to $11,000 a year. Above $110,000, the price climbs past $15,000, narrowing the cost advantage. Chadron State fits you if you want to teach or work in business in the region, keep debt low, and are confident you'll finish. If you need strong earnings to justify the cost, or you're unsure about completing, look harder at the graduation odds before you commit.
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.