At $22,048/yr net price, Eureka College graduates earn $51,641/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $17,641/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $22,048 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $88,192 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $51,641/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$17,641/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 40.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $21,076/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $22,074/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,524/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,111/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $35,274 | $25,910 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $35,060 | $26,475 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $31,423 | $25,000 |
| History. | Bachelor | $30,173 | |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $29,685 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $29,685 | $26,976 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $25,194 |
The Risk Factor
40.6% of students at Eureka 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
Eureka College delivers weak financial returns that make it a risky investment for most students. With median 10-year earnings of $51,641 against a net price of $22,048 annually, you're looking at a lengthy payback period that gets worse when you factor in the concerning 40.6% graduation rate.
The top-earning majors at Eureka barely crack $35,000 annually, with Business Administration leading at $35,274 but saddled with $25,910 in debt. Criminal Justice follows closely but pays marginally less while carrying even higher debt at $26,475. Education majors face the harshest reality, earning just $31,423 with $25,000 in debt for a career path notorious for modest pay increases. History and Communications majors fare even worse, with starting salaries in the low $30,000s and $29,685 respectively.
The low graduation rate creates additional financial risk. With nearly 60% of students failing to complete their degrees, you face significant odds of accumulating debt without the credential needed to justify it. The 63% retention rate signals early warning signs that many students recognize the poor value proposition.
Eureka might work financially if you're receiving substantial merit aid that drives your net cost well below the published $22,048, or if you're certain about completing a degree in one of the higher-earning programs. However, the combination of modest earnings potential, high non-completion rates, and limited program diversity makes this a poor financial choice for most students.
Look elsewhere unless you have compelling non-financial reasons to attend and can secure significant financial aid that dramatically reduces your actual costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Eureka College worth the cost?
Eureka College's graduates earn $51,641 after 10 years, which is reasonable given the $22,048 annual net price. However, the 40.6% graduation rate means many students leave without a degree, making this a risky investment for students who struggle academically.
What are the best paying programs at Eureka College?
Business Administration leads at $35,274 in median earnings, followed by Criminal Justice at $35,060. Education and History majors earn around $30,000-31,000, while Communication majors average $29,685.
How much debt do Eureka College graduates have?
The median debt is $23,250, which is manageable compared to the starting salaries in most programs. Students in business and criminal justice should handle this debt load without major difficulty.
Does Eureka College have good financial aid?
The net price of $22,048 suggests decent financial aid since the sticker price is higher. However, with only 40.6% of students graduating, many don't complete their degrees to see the return on investment.