At $38,775/yr net price, Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary-Overbrook graduates earn $55,225/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $21,225/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $38,775 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $155,100 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $55,225/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$21,225/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 44.4% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $32,698/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $44,853/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Master | $54,644 |
The Risk Factor
44.4% of students at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary-Overbrook 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
Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary-Overbrook is a niche financial bet. At $38,775 a year net, you're paying private-college prices for a seminary, and the median earnings ten years out land at $55,225. That covers the cost over time, but it doesn't leave the wide margin you'd want from a $155,000 four-year sticker.
The 100% retention rate tells you people who enroll stay, which fits a school where you arrive with a clear vocational purpose. The 44.4% graduation rate is the harder number: fewer than half of an entering group finish. If you don't complete, you carry the cost without the credential, and that's the central financial risk here.
No bachelor-level program earnings are listed, so there's no way to point you toward a major that pays and one that doesn't. That absence matters. You're choosing this school for its religious formation mission, not for a menu of career-track degrees with published outcomes.
The net price tiers move the wrong direction for middle-income families. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay $32,698. If you earn $75,000 to $110,000, you pay $44,853 , about $12,000 more per year. The lowest-income families get real relief. the middle pays close to full freight.
This school is a good financial fit for you if you're entering with a firm commitment to the priesthood or church ministry and the vocational path that follows. If you're shopping for general undergraduate education and salary upside, look elsewhere , the graduation risk, the flat earnings figure, and the middle-income pricing don't work in your favor for a secular career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary-Overbrook worth the cost for theology students?
With graduates earning around $55,000 annually and paying nearly $39,000 per year, the financial return is modest. This seminary serves a specific calling rather than maximizing earning potential.
What is the graduation rate at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary-Overbrook?
Only 44% of students graduate, which is concerning for the investment. The low completion rate suggests students should carefully consider their commitment before enrolling.
How much debt do Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary-Overbrook graduates typically have?
With annual costs near $39,000 and starting salaries around $55,000, debt-to-income ratios can be challenging. Students should explore seminary-specific financial aid and diocesan support options.
Are there better alternatives to Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary-Overbrook for ministry education?
Compare costs with other seminaries and consider state schools with religion programs if ordination isn't required. The 75% acceptance rate suggests this isn't the most selective option available.