Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $64,372/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$30,372/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Certificate | $128,163 | |
| Education, General. | Doctoral | $103,913 | $98,011 |
| Psychology, General. | Doctoral | $81,702 | $98,030 |
| Political Science and Government. | Doctoral | $69,338 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $61,020 | $111,000 |
| Public Health. | Master | $59,986 | $92,618 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $58,221 | |
| Psychology, General. | Master | $55,964 | $120,011 |
| Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management. | Master | $46,254 | $111,162 |
| Religion/Religious Studies. | Doctoral | $29,685 | $189,344 |
Analysis
Claremont Graduate University delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your program choice. The school's MBA programs generate strong earnings at $128,163 annually, making the investment worthwhile for business students. Education graduates also see solid returns at $103,913, though you'll carry nearly $100,000 in debt.
Psychology and political science present weaker financial prospects. Psychology graduates earn $81,702 but accumulate $98,030 in debt, creating a challenging debt-to-income ratio. Political science earnings of $69,338 fall well below the cost of attendance, making this degree financially risky at CGU.
The school works best for career changers and working professionals who can leverage existing experience alongside their CGU credentials. If you're pursuing an MBA or education degree with clear career advancement plans, the investment makes sense. Graduate programs in psychology or political science require careful consideration of your debt tolerance and career trajectory.
CGU's graduate-only focus means you'll pay premium tuition without the offset of undergraduate aid packages. The school offers some merit aid, but debt loads remain substantial across programs. You should seriously consider more affordable alternatives if you're pursuing degrees in lower-earning fields like psychology or political science, where the debt burden significantly outweighs earning potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Claremont Graduate University worth the cost for most students?
It depends heavily on your program choice. Business Administration graduates earn around $128,000 annually, making the investment worthwhile, but many other programs lead to salaries that may not justify the high tuition costs.
What programs at Claremont Graduate University have the best ROI?
Business Administration offers the strongest return with graduates earning $128,163 annually. Education graduates earn about $103,913, while Psychology and Political Science majors see significantly lower salaries around $69,000-$81,000.
How much do Claremont Graduate University graduates typically earn?
Average earnings 10 years after graduation are $64,372 annually. This figure varies dramatically by field, with business graduates earning double the overall average while other programs fall well below it.
Is Claremont Graduate University's tuition worth it compared to other schools?
The high tuition is only justified for select programs like Business Administration. Students in lower-paying fields like Psychology or Political Science face significant debt-to-income challenges that make the investment questionable.