At $20,152/yr net price, Roosevelt University graduates earn $48,712/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $14,712/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,152 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $80,608 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,712/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$14,712/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 41.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,863/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,288/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,274/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,967/yr |
| $110,001+ | $30,033/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Doctoral | $64,990 | $127,304 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $61,350 | $33,831 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $60,082 | $40,879 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $55,577 | $45,158 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $54,531 | $27,000 |
| Biotechnology. | Master | $53,358 | |
| Hospitality Administration/Management. | Master | $52,107 | |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $50,105 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $49,918 | $25,250 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $48,563 | $25,500 |
The Risk Factor
41.0% of students at Roosevelt 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
Roosevelt University delivers mixed financial returns with significant risks that potential students must weigh carefully. The $48,712 median earnings after 10 years barely justify the investment when combined with a troubling 41% graduation rate.
Clinical psychology stands out as the clear financial winner at $64,990 in median earnings, but comes with devastating debt loads of $127,304 that will dominate your financial life for decades. Business administration and accounting programs offer more reasonable debt-to-earnings ratios, with business grads earning $61,350 while carrying $33,831 in debt. These business-focused programs represent your best bet for a positive return.
The university's location in Chicago provides access to strong job markets in finance, healthcare, and business services, which helps explain why business programs perform well. However, the low graduation rate signals serious academic or support issues that put your investment at risk. Nearly 6 out of 10 students who start at Roosevelt never finish their degree.
You should consider Roosevelt only if you plan to major in business or accounting and can maintain strong academic performance. The $22,000 median debt load is manageable compared to peer institutions, making this a reasonable option for career-focused students who need Chicago access without elite school prices.
Avoid Roosevelt for psychology unless you plan to pursue advanced degrees and can handle six-figure debt loads. The low retention rate suggests you may struggle with support systems, so consider this only if you have strong self-direction and clear career goals in business-related fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Roosevelt University worth the cost compared to other Chicago schools?
Roosevelt University's graduates earn $48,712 after 10 years, which is below average for Chicago-area schools. With a net price of $20,152 annually and only a 41% graduation rate, the ROI is weak compared to alternatives.
What Roosevelt University programs have the best job prospects and salaries?
Clinical and counseling psychology graduates earn around $64,990, making it Roosevelt's strongest ROI program. Business and accounting graduates typically earn $54,000-61,000, which is solid but not exceptional for these fields.
How much debt do Roosevelt University graduates typically have?
Roosevelt graduates leave with a median debt of $22,000, which is manageable given the relatively low net price. However, the bigger concern is the low graduation rate of 41%, meaning many students accumulate debt without finishing their degree.
Does Roosevelt University provide good financial aid to make it affordable?
Roosevelt's net price of $20,152 suggests decent financial aid for a private university. The real risk is the high dropout rate, which means nearly 6 out of 10 students don't complete their programs despite paying tuition.