At $26,067/yr net price, Concordia University-Wisconsin graduates earn $56,075/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $22,075/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $26,067 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $104,268 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $56,075/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$22,075/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 64.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,323/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $21,547/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,914/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $26,823/yr |
| $110,001+ | $29,439/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $120,549 | |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $119,061 | $188,197 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $110,432 | $91,592 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $96,738 | $37,448 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Master | $72,899 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $72,462 | $25,117 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $72,083 | $81,466 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $62,546 | $45,750 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $62,154 | $26,000 |
| Public Health. | Master | $55,964 | $35,999 |
The Risk Factor
64.3% of students at Concordia University-Wisconsin graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 36% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Concordia University-Wisconsin delivers strong returns for health science majors but weak outcomes for most other programs. Your financial success depends heavily on your major choice at this private Lutheran university.
The nursing and pharmacy programs justify the investment with graduates earning $96,000 to $120,000 annually. Pharmacy students face substantial debt loads of $188,000, but the $119,000 median salary makes repayment manageable. Allied health programs also perform well, generating $110,000 in earnings despite $91,000 in debt.
Finance majors earn $72,900, which barely covers the cost given the school's $26,000 annual net price. Other business and liberal arts programs likely produce weaker returns based on the overall median earnings of $56,000. You should avoid non-health majors unless you have specific career connections or family funding.
The 64% graduation rate presents a significant risk. More than one in three students leave without a degree but still carry debt. The 78% retention rate suggests academic or financial struggles for many students during their first year.
This school works financially if you pursue nursing, pharmacy, or allied health and can handle the academic rigor. The strong Lutheran network in Wisconsin provides job connections for health graduates. You should look elsewhere if you want business, education, or liberal arts degrees unless you receive substantial merit aid.
Only 22% of students receive need-based aid, indicating limited financial assistance. Merit scholarships exist but compete with the university's health science focus for resources. Consider community college prerequisites to reduce total costs before transferring into health programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Concordia University-Wisconsin worth the money?
Concordia University-Wisconsin offers decent value if you pursue nursing or pharmacy, with graduates in these fields earning $96,000-$120,000 annually. However, the overall 10-year median earnings of $56,075 barely justify the $26,067 annual net price for most other majors.
What are the best paying majors at Concordia University-Wisconsin?
Nursing and pharmacy programs at Concordia University-Wisconsin lead to the highest earnings, with nursing graduates making $96,000-$120,000 and pharmacy graduates earning around $119,000. Finance graduates earn significantly less at $72,899, making healthcare programs the clear financial winners.
How much student debt do Concordia University-Wisconsin graduates have?
Concordia University-Wisconsin graduates carry a median debt of $25,750, which is manageable for nursing and pharmacy majors but potentially burdensome for other programs. With overall graduate earnings of $56,075, students in lower-paying majors may struggle with loan payments.
Does Concordia University-Wisconsin have a good graduation rate?
Concordia University-Wisconsin has a 64.3% graduation rate, meaning about one in three students don't finish their degree. This is below average for four-year colleges and adds financial risk since non-graduates still carry student debt without the degree's earning potential.