At $20,477/yr net price, Notre Dame College graduates earn $49,737/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $15,737/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,477 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $81,908 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $49,737/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$15,737/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 36.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,707/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,948/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,567/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,028/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,243/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. | Bachelor | $61,859 | $25,000 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $48,432 | $50,685 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $46,087 | $26,500 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $35,330 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $27,334 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Bachelor | $33,459 | $30,750 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $30,771 | |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $29,250 | |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $29,141 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $28,960 | $28,250 |
The Risk Factor
36.6% of students at Notre Dame College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Notre Dame College presents a challenging financial picture with weak overall returns that vary dramatically by program choice. The median graduate earns $49,737 ten years out, which barely justifies the $27,000 typical debt load when you factor in the school's troubling 36.6% graduation rate.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $61,859 while carrying only $25,000 in debt. This program offers solid ROI in Cleveland's healthcare market. Business administration provides moderate returns at $46,087, though the debt load remains manageable at $26,500. Special education graduates earn $48,432 but carry concerning debt levels of $50,685, creating a poor risk-reward ratio.
Marketing and psychology majors face particularly weak financial outcomes, with psychology graduates earning just $33,993 against $27,334 in debt. These programs offer poor value given the investment required.
The school's low retention rate of 69.3% signals significant risk that you may not complete your degree, making the financial gamble even steeper. Only 38.9% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited institutional support for affordability.
Notre Dame College makes financial sense only if you can secure admission to the nursing program and have confidence in your ability to graduate. The school's location provides access to Cleveland's healthcare job market, which benefits nursing graduates specifically. If you're considering other majors, particularly in liberal arts or business, you'll likely find better ROI elsewhere. The combination of low graduation rates and high costs creates substantial financial risk for most students outside of nursing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Notre Dame College worth the tuition cost?
Notre Dame College's return on investment is mixed, with graduates earning a median of $49,737 ten years after enrollment against $27,000 in typical debt. The nursing programs offer strong earning potential at $61,859, but other majors like psychology and marketing show weaker financial returns relative to the cost.
What is the job market like for Notre Dame College graduates?
The college's 36.6% graduation rate is concerning and well below national averages. Nursing graduates have the best job prospects with median earnings of $61,859, while business and psychology majors face more challenging job markets with lower starting salaries.
How much debt do Notre Dame College students typically graduate with?
Students typically graduate with $27,000 in debt, which is manageable for nursing majors who earn $61,859 but creates financial strain for graduates in lower-paying fields like marketing ($35,330) and psychology ($33,993).
Which Notre Dame College programs have the best return on investment?
Nursing programs offer the strongest ROI with graduates earning $61,859 annually, making the $27,000 debt load reasonable. Special education graduates earn $48,432, providing a decent return, while marketing and psychology programs show weaker financial outcomes.