At $25,717/yr net price, Chatham University graduates earn $52,410/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $18,410/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $25,717 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $102,868 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $52,410/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$18,410/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 66.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $20,839/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $20,621/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,983/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $26,245/yr |
| $110,001+ | $27,814/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. | Doctoral | $126,504 | $30,489 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $91,744 | $136,482 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $71,930 | $71,750 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $67,180 | $14,093 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $58,221 | $36,163 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $57,110 | $69,017 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $48,432 | |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $37,720 | $61,500 |
| Biology, General. | Master | $35,982 | $41,271 |
| Psychology, General. | Master | $34,526 | $48,768 |
The Risk Factor
66.2% of students at Chatham University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 34% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Chatham University delivers strong returns for nursing and healthcare students but weak outcomes for most other majors. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning over $126,000 annually, making the $30,489 in debt manageable. Healthcare-adjacent fields like rehabilitation therapy also perform well at $71,930 in median earnings.
The financial picture turns problematic outside healthcare. With overall median earnings of $52,410 against a net price of $25,717 annually, most programs struggle to justify their cost. Business graduates earn $58,221 but carry $36,163 in debt, creating a tight financial margin. The concerning 66% graduation rate means one-third of students pay tuition without earning a degree.
You face significant financial risk if you plan to study liberal arts, education, or social sciences at Chatham. These programs typically generate the lowest returns while carrying similar debt loads to higher-earning majors. The Pittsburgh job market favors healthcare and technology, leaving other fields with limited local opportunities.
Chatham makes financial sense if you can secure admission to nursing or allied health programs and plan to work in Pennsylvania's growing healthcare sector. The school's small size and strong clinical partnerships create good job placement odds for healthcare graduates. However, you should look elsewhere if you want to study humanities, arts, or social sciences, where the return on investment falls well short of the cost.
Financial aid reaches only 21% of students, suggesting limited merit scholarship opportunities. Your best cost strategy involves targeting the high-ROI healthcare programs and securing clinical experience early to maximize job prospects after graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chatham University worth the cost?
Chatham University's value depends heavily on your major. Nursing graduates earn strong salaries that justify the $25,717 annual net price, but other programs show weaker returns on investment.
What are the best paying majors at Chatham University?
Nursing programs at Chatham University lead to the highest earnings, with some specializations reaching $126,504 annually. Allied health and rehabilitation programs also show solid returns at $91,744 and $71,930 respectively.
How much debt do Chatham University graduates have?
Chatham University graduates leave with a median debt of $23,250, which is manageable for nursing majors but may be challenging for lower-earning programs. The 10-year median earnings of $52,410 suggest debt-to-income ratios vary significantly by field of study.
Does Chatham University have good financial aid?
Chatham University's net price of $25,717 represents significant aid from the sticker price. However, with a 66% graduation rate, about one-third of students don't complete their degrees, making careful program selection important.