At $15,025/yr net price, Donnelly College graduates earn $35,715/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $1,715/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,025 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $60,100 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $35,715/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$1,715/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 35 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 38.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,842 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,619/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,117/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,765/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,727/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $39,648 | $13,400 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,052 |
The Risk Factor
38.0% of students at Donnelly College 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
Donnelly College delivers poor financial returns for most students, with median earnings of just $35,715 ten years after enrollment and a concerning 38% graduation rate. The low graduation rate means nearly two-thirds of students leave without a degree while still carrying debt.
Practical nursing stands out as the only financially viable program, generating $39,648 in median earnings with manageable debt of $13,400. This creates a reasonable pathway to middle-class income in Kansas City's healthcare market. However, liberal arts graduates earn just $21,052 annually, making loan repayment difficult even with the school's relatively low debt loads.
Your biggest risk at Donnelly is not graduating at all. With only 38% of students completing their programs, you face a significant chance of leaving with debt but no credential. The 76% retention rate suggests many students recognize early that the school isn't working for them.
Donnelly makes financial sense only if you're pursuing practical nursing and confident you can complete the program. The school's Catholic mission and small size may provide valuable support for students who struggled in larger institutional settings. However, if you're considering liberal arts or general studies, you'll find better earning potential at community colleges or regional public universities.
The school does provide aid to 63% of students, helping keep costs manageable for those who do graduate. But with such low completion rates and weak earnings outside of nursing, most prospective students should explore alternatives with stronger track records of student success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Donnelly College worth the cost for the earnings you get?
Donnelly College graduates earn a median of $35,715 ten years after enrollment, which is below the national average for college graduates. The nursing programs offer better returns with $39,648 median earnings, but liberal arts graduates typically earn just $21,052.
What is the graduation rate at Donnelly College and does it affect value?
Only 38% of students graduate from Donnelly College, meaning most students leave without a degree but may still carry debt. This low completion rate significantly reduces the school's overall value proposition.
How much debt do Donnelly College students typically graduate with?
Donnelly College graduates have a median debt of $11,842, which is relatively low compared to many colleges. However, with post-graduation earnings of $35,715, the debt-to-income ratio is still concerning for long-term financial health.
Which programs at Donnelly College provide the best return on investment?
The nursing programs at Donnelly College offer the strongest ROI with graduates earning $39,648 annually. Liberal arts and general studies programs show poor returns with graduates earning just $21,052, well below the cost of attendance.