At $12,267/yr net price, Purdue University Global graduates earn $36,596/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,596/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,267 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $49,068 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,596/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,596/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 18.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 47.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,078 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,267/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. | Certificate | $101,792 | $38,154 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $97,579 | $58,675 |
| Bioethics/Medical Ethics. | Master | $81,997 | $56,266 |
| Legal Professions and Studies, Other. | Doctoral | $76,460 | $61,500 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $73,792 | $26,350 |
| Fire Protection. | Bachelor | $73,446 | $29,363 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Certificate | $69,338 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Certificate | $69,338 | |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Certificate | $68,219 | |
| Law. | Doctoral | $64,493 | $81,926 |
The Risk Factor
47.6% of students at Purdue University Global 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
Purdue University Global delivers poor financial returns for most students, with median earnings of just $36,596 ten years after graduation despite a relatively affordable net price of $12,267 annually. The 25% retention rate signals serious problems with student satisfaction and academic support.
Nursing programs represent the clear exception to this school's weak ROI profile. Several nursing specializations generate earnings above $70,000, with the top program reaching $101,792. However, even nursing comes with trade-offs, as some tracks carry debt loads approaching $60,000. Bioethics and legal studies also show promise, though debt levels remain concerning.
The 47% graduation rate creates substantial financial risk. You face nearly even odds of leaving without a degree while still carrying debt. Combined with the low retention rate, these statistics suggest many students struggle to complete their programs successfully.
This school works financially if you can access the high-performing nursing programs and complete your degree. The relatively low net price makes it accessible for students who qualify for aid, with nearly 48% receiving assistance. However, you should have serious concerns about academic support systems given the retention statistics.
Skip Purdue University Global if you plan to study anything outside healthcare or legal fields. The general earning outcomes do not justify even the modest costs, and the completion rates indicate you may never finish your degree. Consider other options unless you have a clear path into nursing and strong confidence in your ability to persist through graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Purdue University Global worth the cost?
Purdue University Global offers mixed value with a low net price of $12,267 but concerning 10-year earnings of just $36,596. The 47% graduation rate and $26,078 median debt make it risky for most students outside of nursing programs.
What programs at Purdue University Global have the best ROI?
Nursing programs at Purdue University Global show strong returns, with graduates earning $73,792-$101,792 annually. Other programs typically lead to much lower earnings that may not justify the debt load.
How much debt do Purdue University Global graduates typically have?
Purdue University Global graduates carry a median debt of $26,078. With average 10-year earnings of $36,596, this debt burden represents a concerning debt-to-income ratio for many graduates.
What is the graduation rate at Purdue University Global?
Purdue University Global has a 47.6% graduation rate, meaning more than half of students don't complete their programs. This low completion rate increases the financial risk for students who may accumulate debt without earning a degree.