At $19,268/yr net price, Manchester University graduates earn $51,504/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $17,504/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,268 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $77,072 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $51,504/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$17,504/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 44.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,854 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,895/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,031/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,949/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,089/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,938/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $115,091 | $212,484 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $50,856 | $27,000 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $39,369 | $25,250 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $36,848 | $27,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $28,816 | $26,000 |
The Risk Factor
44.8% of students at Manchester University 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
Manchester University delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your program choice. The pharmacy program stands out with graduates earning $115,091 annually, though you'll carry $212,484 in debt to get there. Accounting offers the best balance at $50,856 in earnings with manageable $27,000 debt loads.
The financial picture weakens considerably outside these top programs. Business management graduates earn just $36,848 despite similar debt burdens to accounting majors. Health and physical education shows the worst return, with $28,816 earnings against $26,000 in debt. Marketing falls in the middle at $39,369 but still struggles to justify the investment.
Manchester presents significant financial risks beyond program selection. The 44.8% graduation rate means more than half of students leave without a degree but may still carry debt. The 71.6% retention rate suggests many students realize early that the school isn't working for them financially or academically.
You should consider Manchester if you're committed to pharmacy and can handle the substantial debt load, or if you're targeting accounting with strong academic credentials. The school works best for students who qualify for significant financial aid, given that nearly 44% receive assistance.
Avoid Manchester for liberal arts, education, or general business programs where the earnings don't support the debt burden. The relatively high net price of $19,268 combined with modest median earnings of $51,504 creates a challenging financial equation for most majors outside the health sciences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Manchester University worth the cost?
Manchester University's value depends heavily on your major. Pharmacy graduates earn $115,091 annually, making the $26,854 median debt manageable, but other programs like education and business show weaker returns relative to cost.
What is Manchester University's return on investment?
Manchester University graduates earn $51,504 ten years after enrollment, which is modest for a private school costing $19,268 annually. The 44.8% graduation rate means many students don't finish, making the investment riskier than at schools with higher completion rates.
Which programs at Manchester University have the best job prospects?
Pharmacy is Manchester University's standout program with graduates earning $115,091 annually. Accounting graduates earn $50,856, while business and education majors see significantly lower returns that may not justify the private school premium.
How much debt do Manchester University students graduate with?
Manchester University students graduate with $26,854 in median debt. This debt load is reasonable for pharmacy students but creates financial strain for graduates in lower-paying fields like education, where starting salaries around $28,816 make repayment challenging.