At $29,944/yr net price, Chestnut Hill College graduates earn $52,015/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $18,015/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $29,944 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $119,776 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $52,015/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$18,015/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 56.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,389 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $29,262/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $27,217/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $27,238/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $32,638/yr |
| $110,001+ | $33,080/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $50,022 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Bachelor | $48,041 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $47,781 | $41,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $46,478 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $43,240 | $27,000 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Doctoral | $42,682 | |
| Human Services, General. | Master | $40,896 | $41,000 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $39,369 | $51,375 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $37,568 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $32,925 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
56.1% of students at Chestnut Hill College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Chestnut Hill College delivers weak financial returns that struggle to justify its high costs. With median earnings of just $52,015 ten years after graduation and a net price approaching $30,000 annually, you face a challenging payback period that many graduates never fully overcome.
The earnings data reveals a concerning pattern across majors. Even the highest-paying program, Special Education, produces graduates earning only $50,022 annually. Business and accounting majors fare worse, with starting salaries in the low-to-mid $40,000s while carrying $27,000 in debt. Teacher preparation programs saddle graduates with $41,000 in debt for careers paying under $48,000, creating a financial burden that can persist for decades.
The school's 56% graduation rate compounds these financial risks. If you leave without a degree, you still carry the debt burden without the credential to boost your earning power. The low 67% retention rate suggests many students recognize this financial reality early.
You should consider Chestnut Hill only if you have substantial family financial support or qualify for significant need-based aid among the 47% who receive assistance. The school works best for students who can graduate debt-free or with minimal borrowing.
Philadelphia's job market offers opportunities in education and healthcare that align with the school's programs, but the regional salary levels remain modest. You would find better financial returns at lower-cost state schools or community colleges for many of these same career paths, particularly in education where certification matters more than institutional prestige.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chestnut Hill College worth the cost?
With graduates earning $52,015 after 10 years and median debt of $26,389, Chestnut Hill College offers modest returns that may not justify the $29,944 annual net price for most students. The 56% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't complete their degree.
What are the best paying majors at Chestnut Hill College?
Special Education leads at $50,022 annually, followed by Health and Medical Administrative Services at $48,041. These programs offer the strongest earning potential, though still below the national average for college graduates.
How much student debt do Chestnut Hill College graduates have?
The median debt is $26,389, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. However, with starting salaries around $50,000, graduates will likely spend several years paying off loans.
Does Chestnut Hill College have good financial aid?
The net price of $29,944 suggests moderate financial aid for a private college, but the high acceptance rate of 98% indicates the school may admit students regardless of ability to pay or succeed academically.