At $34,947/yr net price, Chamberlain University-Missouri graduates earn $92,405/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $58,405/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $34,947 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $139,788 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $92,405/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$58,405/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 33.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,919 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $34,222/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $35,672/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 | $71,315 | $22,213 |
The Risk Factor
33.3% of students at Chamberlain University-Missouri 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
Chamberlain University-Missouri delivers strong financial returns despite concerning graduation and retention rates. Your median earnings of $92,405 ten years after enrollment significantly outweigh the $34,947 annual net price, creating a favorable payback scenario for graduates who complete their programs.
Nursing programs dominate the earnings picture here, with registered nursing graduates earning $71,315 annually while carrying manageable debt loads of $22,213. This reflects the strong demand for healthcare workers in the St. Louis metropolitan area, where major hospital systems like BJC HealthCare and Mercy Health create steady job opportunities for Chamberlain graduates.
The major financial risk lies in completion rates. With only 33% of students graduating and a 67% retention rate, you face real odds of leaving with debt but no degree. This makes Chamberlain a risky choice if you struggle with online learning formats or lack strong self-direction, since the school operates primarily through distance education.
Chamberlain works best financially for working adults who need flexible nursing education and can commit to finishing their programs. The school attracts many students already working in healthcare who use employer tuition assistance, which helps explain why less than half receive traditional financial aid.
Avoid Chamberlain if you need extensive academic support or prefer traditional campus experiences. The low retention rate suggests many students find the format challenging, and dropping out means you face education debt without the nursing credentials needed to access those higher-paying healthcare jobs that make the investment worthwhile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chamberlain University-Missouri worth the high tuition cost?
With a net price of nearly $35,000 per year and only a 33% graduation rate, Chamberlain University-Missouri presents significant financial risk. Many students pay high costs without completing their degree, making the investment questionable for most applicants.
What is the return on investment for Chamberlain University-Missouri nursing programs?
Nursing graduates from Chamberlain University-Missouri earn around $71,315 annually, which provides decent returns if you complete the program. However, with two-thirds of students not graduating, the odds of reaching this earning potential are poor.
How much debt do Chamberlain University-Missouri graduates typically have?
Graduates who complete their degree at Chamberlain University-Missouri have a median debt of $20,919, which is manageable for nursing salaries. The bigger concern is the high dropout rate, leaving many students with debt but no degree.
Are there better alternatives to Chamberlain University-Missouri for nursing education?
Yes, community colleges and public universities typically offer nursing programs at much lower costs with better graduation rates. Chamberlain's 33% graduation rate is well below average for nursing schools.