At $15,725/yr net price, Goshen College graduates earn $51,943/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $17,943/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,725 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $62,900 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $51,943/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$17,943/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 60.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,974 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,059/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,394/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,681/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,823/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,195/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. | Master | $101,406 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $54,996 | $19,791 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $28,236 | |
| Music. | Bachelor | $25,194 |
The Risk Factor
60.5% of students at Goshen College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 40% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Goshen College offers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. The nursing program delivers strong value with graduates earning over $100,000 annually, making it one of the strongest ROI programs among small private colleges. However, social work and music graduates face challenging economics with starting salaries below $30,000 against typical debt loads exceeding $20,000.
The college's below-average 60% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. If you don't complete your degree, you'll carry debt without the earnings boost that justifies the investment. The 78% retention rate suggests academic or financial struggles cause many students to leave after freshman year.
Your financial aid prospects look limited. Only 37% of students receive need-based aid, indicating either high family income requirements or insufficient institutional funding. This creates affordability challenges for middle-income families who may not qualify for aid but struggle with the full cost.
Goshen works financially if you pursue nursing and can handle the academic demands to graduation. The program's strong job placement in Indiana's healthcare market justifies the investment. For other majors, particularly in social services or arts, you face significant financial headwinds with low starting salaries that make loan repayment difficult.
Consider Goshen if you're committed to nursing and value small class sizes in your clinical training. Look elsewhere if you're undecided on major, interested in higher-paying business or STEM fields not offered here, or need substantial financial aid to make college affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Goshen College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Goshen College graduates earn $51,943 after 10 years, which is below average for college graduates nationally. With a net price of $15,725 annually and typical debt of $22,974, the return on investment is modest unless you pursue nursing.
What are the best paying majors at Goshen College?
Nursing programs at Goshen College lead to strong earnings, with some graduates earning over $100,000 annually. Other majors like social work ($28,236) and music ($25,194) show significantly lower earning potential.
How much debt do Goshen College students typically graduate with?
The median debt for Goshen College graduates is $22,974, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. However, this debt load may be challenging for graduates in lower-paying fields outside of nursing.
Does Goshen College have good graduation rates and job outcomes?
Goshen College has a 60.5% graduation rate, which is below the national average for four-year colleges. The school's high acceptance rate of 93.5% suggests less selective admissions, which can correlate with varied student outcomes.