Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $56,899/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$22,899/yr |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,000 |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Doctoral | $88,198 | $145,288 |
| Psychology, Other. | Doctoral | $69,338 | $158,875 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Doctoral | $66,250 | $206,673 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Certificate | $48,628 | $36,238 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $46,833 | $82,748 |
Analysis
The Chicago School at Washington DC delivers mixed financial returns, with outcomes varying dramatically by program choice. The overall median earnings of $56,899 paired with relatively low debt of $20,000 masks significant disparities between majors.
Business Administration graduates see strong returns at $88,198 annually, though you'll carry substantial debt of $145,288 that could strain your finances for years. Psychology programs present concerning debt-to-income ratios. Clinical and Counseling Psychology graduates earning $66,250 face crushing debt loads of $206,673, creating an unsustainable financial burden that could take decades to resolve.
The school's location in Washington DC provides access to federal government and nonprofit psychology positions, but these roles typically offer modest salaries that don't justify the high tuition costs for clinical programs. Mental health professionals in the region face competition from graduates of more established programs at lower price points.
You should consider this school only if you're pursuing the Business Administration program or have significant financial resources to cover psychology program costs without heavy borrowing. Students seeking affordable psychology education will find better value elsewhere. The clinical psychology debt levels represent a serious financial risk that could limit your career flexibility and life choices.
Financial aid opportunities appear limited based on the high debt loads across programs. Merit scholarships may be available but don't appear sufficient to offset the fundamental cost-to-earnings imbalance in psychology programs. Your best strategy involves securing maximum financial aid upfront and seriously questioning whether the clinical psychology programs justify their extreme cost given regional salary expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Chicago School at Washington DC worth the cost?
The school's median graduate debt of $20,000 is relatively low, but average earnings of $56,899 ten years after graduation are below national averages for graduate programs. Business and management programs show stronger returns with graduates earning around $88,000, while psychology programs typically yield lower salaries in the $46,000-$69,000 range.
What is the ROI for psychology programs at The Chicago School at Washington DC?
Psychology graduates from The Chicago School at Washington DC earn between $46,833 and $69,338 depending on specialization, which is below average for graduate-level psychology programs. The clinical and counseling psychology tracks show particularly weak returns given the advanced degree requirements.
Do graduates of The Chicago School at Washington DC struggle with student debt?
The median debt load of $20,000 is manageable compared to many graduate programs. However, with average earnings of $56,899, graduates may still face tight budgets, especially those in lower-paying psychology fields.
Which programs at The Chicago School at Washington DC have the best job prospects?
Business Administration and Management programs offer the strongest financial outcomes, with graduates earning around $88,198 annually. Psychology programs consistently show lower earning potential despite requiring similar time and educational investment.