At $28,617/yr net price, John Carroll University graduates earn $62,860/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $28,860/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $28,617 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $114,468 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $62,860/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$28,860/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 76.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $22,972/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $21,419/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,871/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $28,427/yr |
| $110,001+ | $32,838/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $58,402 | $20,500 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $56,054 | $27,000 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $54,618 | $26,000 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $53,775 | $24,625 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $53,358 | $26,250 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $52,107 | $24,350 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $46,589 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $45,584 | |
| Chemistry. | Bachelor | $42,682 | $26,770 |
| International Business. | Bachelor | $41,295 |
The Risk Factor
76.5% of students at John Carroll University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 24% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
John Carroll University delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. With median earnings of $62,860 ten years after graduation and typical debt of $26,000, the school produces graduates who can reasonably manage their loan payments, though the returns aren't strong for a private university charging nearly $29,000 annually after aid.
Business majors fare best financially at John Carroll, with management graduates earning $58,402 and carrying just $20,500 in debt. Accounting and finance majors also see solid returns, though computer science graduates surprisingly earn less here than at many comparable schools. The school's liberal arts programs present higher financial risk, as the earnings data shows significant gaps between business-focused degrees and other fields.
Your biggest financial risk at John Carroll is the low percentage of students receiving aid at just 19.78%. This suggests limited need-based support, making the school financially challenging for middle-income families who don't qualify for aid but struggle with the full cost. The 76.5% graduation rate also means nearly one in four students won't complete their degree, creating debt without the earning benefits.
John Carroll makes financial sense if you're targeting business careers in the Cleveland region and your family can handle the costs without excessive borrowing. The school's strong alumni network in Ohio business circles provides value beyond the salary numbers. However, if you need significant financial aid or plan to study fields outside business and economics, you'll likely find better ROI elsewhere. The school works best for students who view it as a regional investment rather than a national launch pad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is John Carroll University worth the cost compared to other schools?
John Carroll's graduates earn $62,860 after 10 years, which is modest for a $28,617 annual cost. With median debt at $26,000, you'll likely break even, but stronger ROI options exist at other Ohio universities.
What are the best paying majors at John Carroll University?
Business Administration leads at $58,402 starting salary, followed by Accounting at $56,054. Computer Science pays $53,775, which is below market rate for tech graduates from comparable programs.
How much student debt do John Carroll University graduates typically have?
The median debt is $26,000, which is manageable given the $62,860 average earnings. Most graduates can handle this debt load, though the relatively low starting salaries mean longer payback periods.
Does John Carroll University provide good financial aid to reduce costs?
With a net price of $28,617 after aid, John Carroll offers moderate financial assistance. The 76.5% graduation rate suggests most students can complete their degrees, but the final cost remains high for the earning potential.