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 is a graduate-only institution, and the earnings data reflects that. A $64,372 median 10 years out is a graduate-degree outcome, not the product of a four-year bachelor's you paid for here. If you are looking for an undergraduate program, this school does not offer one, so the usual bachelor's-level ROI math does not apply to you.
What this number tells you is modest. A mid-$60,000s median for people carrying master's or doctoral debt is not a strong return by itself. Graduate programs at a private-nonprofit like this one carry their own tuition on top of whatever undergraduate debt you already hold, and the median earnings here do not clear the bar where that added cost pays for itself quickly.
Because no program-level salary lines are broken out, you cannot assume every field lands at that median. A doctoral program in a well-paid discipline may beat it. a master's in a lower-paying field will fall short of it. Ask each specific program for its own graduate outcomes before you enroll, and do not treat the school-wide figure as a promise for your degree.
The financial risk here is straightforward. You are adding graduate debt to earnings that sit in the mid-$60,000s, and Claremont is in a high-cost part of Southern California, so your living expenses will eat into that income while you repay. This school fits you if you have a funded assistantship, an employer paying tuition, or a clear licensure or salary bump tied to the specific degree. If you would borrow the full cost and expect the median outcome, the math does not work in your favor, and you should compare against cheaper or funded alternatives first.
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.