At $10,376/yr net price, Monroe College graduates earn $41,236/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,236/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,376 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $41,504 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,236/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,236/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 57.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,818 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,047/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,427/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,123/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,523/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,021/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Master | $52,941 | $33,013 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $52,357 | $31,155 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $37,291 | $24,513 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $37,208 | $28,591 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $34,908 | $26,500 |
| Public Health. | Bachelor | $34,388 | $27,000 |
| Hospitality Administration/Management. | Associate | $33,993 | $18,164 |
| Hospitality Administration/Management. | Bachelor | $33,352 | $24,928 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $31,423 | $25,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $31,314 | $24,250 |
The Risk Factor
57.5% of students at Monroe 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
Monroe College delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your program choice. The $10,376 annual net price makes this one of the more affordable private colleges, but graduation rates below 60% create significant risk of leaving with debt and no degree.
Criminal justice and business administration graduates earn over $52,000 annually, making these programs solid financial bets despite higher debt loads around $31,000-$33,000. Accounting majors face a tougher equation with $37,291 in earnings against $24,513 in debt. Computer science shows the weakest return at $34,908 in earnings with $26,500 in debt.
Your biggest financial risk here is not graduating. With only 57% completing their degrees and 70% returning after freshman year, many students accumulate debt without the credential needed to access higher earnings. The for-profit structure means less flexibility if financial circumstances change.
This school works best for students committed to criminal justice or business who can handle the academic demands and graduate on time. The low sticker price makes it accessible for students who might otherwise attend community college, but only if you're confident about finishing your degree.
Nearly 60% of students receive financial aid, and the relatively low debt levels suggest the school keeps borrowing manageable for most graduates. However, the earnings data reveals significant variation between programs, making your major choice the most important factor in determining whether Monroe College pays off financially.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Monroe College worth the cost?
Monroe College graduates earn a median of $41,236 ten years after graduation, which is below average for college graduates nationally. With a net price of $10,376 per year and median debt of $18,818, the return on investment is modest but manageable for most students.
What are the best paying majors at Monroe College?
Criminal Justice and Business Administration programs at Monroe College show the strongest earnings potential, with graduates earning around $52,000 annually. Accounting graduates earn about $37,000, while Computer Science majors earn $34,908, which is low for tech fields.
How much debt do Monroe College students graduate with?
Monroe College graduates leave with a median debt of $18,818, which is lower than the national average. However, with post-graduation earnings of $41,236, students should expect a debt-to-income ratio that requires careful financial planning.
Does Monroe College have good job placement after graduation?
Monroe College has a 57.5% graduation rate, meaning over 40% of students don't finish their programs. The school's focus on career-oriented programs like Criminal Justice and Business helps with job placement, but earnings remain below national averages for college graduates.