At $19,155/yr net price, Coe College graduates earn $57,125/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $23,125/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,155 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $76,620 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $57,125/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$23,125/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 59.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,657/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,250/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,889/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,555/yr |
| $110,001+ | $27,413/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $61,516 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $58,402 | $27,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $52,107 | $25,893 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $42,458 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $42,235 | $27,000 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | Bachelor | $37,568 | |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $36,560 | $27,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $36,042 | $27,000 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $30,988 | |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $29,685 |
The Risk Factor
59.0% of students at Coe 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
Coe College delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. Computer science graduates earn $61,516 annually, making the $27,000 median debt load manageable, while nursing graduates see similar strong earnings at $58,402. These programs justify the investment.
Education and business majors face tougher math. Teacher education graduates earn just $42,235 with the same debt burden, creating a concerning debt-to-income ratio. Business administration fares similarly at $42,458, putting graduates in a weaker financial position despite completing the same expensive degree.
The 59% graduation rate presents a major risk. Two out of every five students leave without a degree but may still carry debt. The 77% retention rate suggests many students recognize the financial mismatch early and transfer elsewhere.
Coe works financially if you pursue high-earning majors like computer science or nursing and can complete your degree. The relatively low net price of $19,155 helps, but only 36% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited assistance for middle-income families.
You should look elsewhere if you plan to study education, business, or other lower-earning fields where the debt load outweighs career prospects. The regional Iowa job market limits opportunities, particularly for liberal arts graduates. Consider Coe only if you can commit to a high-earning program and have strong academic preparation to avoid becoming part of the 41% who never graduate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Coe College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Coe College graduates earn $57,125 annually 10 years after graduation, which is below the national average for private colleges. With a net price of $19,155 per year and typical debt of $27,000, the return on investment is modest but manageable.
What are the best paying majors at Coe College?
Computer Science leads with $61,516 in median earnings, followed by nursing at $58,402. Business and education majors earn significantly less at around $42,000, making program choice critical for ROI.
How much debt do Coe College students typically graduate with?
The median debt is $27,000, which is reasonable given the school's net price of about $19,000 per year. This debt level is manageable for most graduates earning the median salary of $57,125.
Does Coe College have good graduation rates for the money?
Coe's 59% graduation rate is concerning for a school charging nearly $20,000 annually after aid. Four in ten students don't finish, which represents significant financial risk with no degree to show for it.