At $33,243/yr net price, Cleveland University-Kansas City graduates earn $52,304/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $18,304/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $33,243 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $132,972 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $52,304/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$18,304/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 33.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $33,447/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $33,040/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chiropractic. | Doctoral | $30,771 | $228,650 |
The Risk Factor
33.3% of students at Cleveland University-Kansas City 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
Cleveland University-Kansas City delivers poor financial returns for most students. With median 10-year earnings of $52,304 against a net price of $33,243 annually, your payback period stretches uncomfortably long, especially considering the 33% graduation rate means two-thirds of students never finish their degrees.
The chiropractic program exemplifies the school's financial risks. While it represents the top-earning program, graduates carry $228,650 in debt for starting salaries around $30,771. This debt-to-income ratio creates decades of financial strain that few can sustain comfortably.
Your biggest risk here is the 50% retention rate, which signals that half of students transfer or drop out after freshman year. Combined with the low graduation rate, you face substantial odds of accumulating debt without earning a degree. The $12,500 median debt figure appears artificially low because it only reflects graduates, not the majority who leave without completing their programs.
This school makes financial sense only for students with substantial family financial support who can avoid borrowing entirely. If you need loans or financial aid to attend, the mathematics work against you. The Kansas City job market offers better opportunities for graduates from more established regional universities with stronger alumni networks and higher graduation rates.
Students serious about healthcare careers should consider accredited programs at public universities or established private institutions with better completion rates. The combination of high costs, low completion rates, and modest earning potential creates a financial equation that rarely works in your favor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cleveland University-Kansas City worth the cost?
With graduates earning $52,304 ten years after enrollment against a net price of $33,243 annually, the financial return is modest. The school's 33% graduation rate also means many students don't complete their programs, making the investment risky for those who don't finish.
What is the ROI for Cleveland University-Kansas City's chiropractic program?
The chiropractic program costs $30,771 per year, which is lower than the overall school average. However, chiropractors face a competitive job market and variable income potential depending on location and practice type.
How much debt do Cleveland University-Kansas City graduates have?
The median debt is relatively low at $12,500, which helps offset the modest post-graduation earnings. This lower debt burden makes the financial risk more manageable compared to schools with similar earning outcomes but higher debt loads.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Cleveland University-Kansas City?
With a focus primarily on chiropractic medicine and a 33% graduation rate, job prospects depend heavily on completing the program and passing licensing requirements. The healthcare field offers stability, but chiropractic practices often require building a patient base over time.