At $29,541/yr net price, University of Rio Grande graduates earn $41,478/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,478/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $29,541 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $118,164 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,478/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,478/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 15.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 32.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $17,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $26,495/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $26,881/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $30,154/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $32,843/yr |
| $110,001+ | $31,973/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 | $68,499 | $28,752 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $54,928 | $14,125 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $46,087 | $14,499 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $44,356 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $42,682 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $33,281 | |
| Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management. | Bachelor | $30,771 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $30,771 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $26,353 |
The Risk Factor
32.2% of students at University of Rio Grande 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
University of Rio Grande delivers poor financial returns for most students, with median earnings of $41,478 barely justifying the $29,541 annual net price. The school's 32% graduation rate means two-thirds of students leave without a degree, making it a high-risk financial investment.
Nursing programs offer the only clear path to financial success, with top earners making $68,499 annually. However, nursing graduates carry $28,752 in debt, nearly double the school median. Allied health programs provide moderate returns around $46,000, while most other majors lead to earnings below $45,000 despite the steep tuition costs.
The low retention rate of 64% signals academic and financial struggles that increase your risk of leaving with debt but no degree. In rural southeastern Ohio, job opportunities remain limited outside healthcare, making career mobility difficult if you stay local after graduation.
You should consider Rio Grande only if you're committed to nursing or allied health and can handle the debt load. Students interested in other fields will find better financial outcomes at community colleges or regional state universities. The school works best for local students who can live at home and have family support systems nearby.
Financial aid reaches just 36% of students, suggesting limited scholarship opportunities. Your best cost strategy involves completing prerequisites at a community college before transferring, or choosing the nursing program specifically if healthcare aligns with your career goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Rio Grande worth the cost?
University of Rio Grande's $29,541 annual cost produces median earnings of $41,478 after 10 years, which is below average for college graduates. The 32% graduation rate means most students don't finish, making the investment risky for many.
What programs at University of Rio Grande have the best ROI?
Nursing programs at University of Rio Grande offer the strongest returns, with graduates earning $68,499 to $54,928 annually. Other health-related programs also perform well, while most other majors show weaker earning potential.
How much debt do University of Rio Grande graduates have?
University of Rio Grande graduates carry a median debt of $17,750, which is relatively manageable. However, with low graduation rates and modest earnings for most programs, even this debt level can be challenging to repay.
Should I attend University of Rio Grande for my major?
University of Rio Grande makes financial sense primarily for nursing and health programs that lead to steady, well-paying careers. For other majors, the low graduation rate and modest earnings suggest considering alternatives with better track records.