At $21,436/yr net price, College of Our Lady of the Elms graduates earn $51,540/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $17,540/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,436 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $85,744 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $51,540/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$17,540/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 64.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,824/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,265/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,376/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $26,565/yr |
| $110,001+ | $27,882/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other. | Master | $82,440 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $69,410 | $20,907 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $46,790 | $38,151 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $46,087 | |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $38,289 | |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $35,060 | $28,250 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Bachelor | $29,685 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $29,250 | $26,493 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Bachelor | $23,456 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
64.7% of students at College of Our Lady of the Elms graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 35% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
College of Our Lady of the Elms delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. The $21,436 net price sits below many private colleges, but median earnings of $51,540 mean you'll need about eight years to break even on your investment.
The nursing program stands out as the school's strongest financial bet, producing graduates who earn $69,410 with relatively low debt of $20,907. Business majors also fare well at $82,440 annually, though debt data isn't available for this program. These two fields take advantage of strong regional healthcare and business demand in western Massachusetts.
Education majors face tougher financial prospects. Special education graduates earn $46,790 but carry $38,151 in debt, creating a challenging debt-to-income ratio in a field known for limited salary growth. Marketing majors earn just $38,289, making the private school premium difficult to justify when state schools offer similar programs at lower costs.
The 64.7% graduation rate creates additional financial risk. If you don't finish, you'll carry debt without the degree premium. The 76% retention rate suggests some students struggle with fit or finances early on.
This school works best if you're committed to nursing or business and value small class sizes enough to pay extra for them. Students targeting education or other lower-paying fields should seriously consider state alternatives. With only 42% of students receiving aid, merit opportunities appear limited, so middle-income families may find the costs challenging without significant need-based assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is College of Our Lady of the Elms worth the cost?
With graduates earning $51,540 after 10 years and a net price of $21,436 annually, the return on investment is modest but reasonable for most students. The school's business programs show stronger earnings potential at $82,440, while education majors face lower returns around $46,790.
What programs at College of Our Lady of the Elms have the best job prospects?
Business and nursing programs offer the strongest financial returns, with business graduates earning $82,440 and nursing graduates earning $69,410. Education and marketing majors see significantly lower earnings in the $38,000-$47,000 range.
How much debt do College of Our Lady of the Elms graduates typically have?
The median debt is $25,000, which is manageable compared to the national average. However, with only a 64.7% graduation rate, there's notable risk of taking on debt without completing a degree.
Does College of Our Lady of the Elms provide good financial aid?
The net price of $21,436 suggests decent financial aid for a private college. With a 90.91% acceptance rate, the school is accessible but the relatively low graduation rate indicates academic support may be a concern.