Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 52.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 49.8%
- Retention Rate
- 77.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $48,466
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 64.2%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $42,682 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $40,728 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $39,729 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $27,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $33,993 | |
| Education, General. | Bachelor | $33,637 | $27,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $27,439 | $27,000 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $26,739 | $27,000 |
| History. | Bachelor | $21,508 |
Outcomes Overview
Heidelberg graduates face a challenging financial reality with median debt of $27,000 against median earnings of $48,466 ten years out. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 56% exceeds the recommended 40% threshold for manageable repayment. Monthly loan payments of $286 consume about 7% of typical graduate income, which is reasonable but tight for entry-level salaries. The university's strong music and education programs often lead graduates into teaching and nonprofit careers that prioritize service over high salaries. With a 96.9% employment rate, graduates find work but may struggle with loan burdens early in their careers. Given the debt load relative to earning potential, this represents a weak return on investment.