At $21,683/yr net price, Waldorf University graduates earn $51,165/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $17,165/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,683 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $86,732 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $51,165/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$17,165/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 29.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,752 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,354/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,450/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $23,887/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,358/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,590/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Protection. | Bachelor | $74,200 | $18,750 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $58,390 | $28,125 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $38,289 | $32,862 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $37,208 | $21,535 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $35,954 | $20,637 |
The Risk Factor
29.0% of students at Waldorf University 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
Waldorf University delivers weak financial returns with significant risks that outweigh potential benefits for most students. The 29% graduation rate means seven out of ten students leave without a degree while still carrying debt, creating massive downside risk for your investment.
Fire Protection stands out as the only program worth considering financially, generating $74,200 in median earnings with manageable debt levels. Human Resources Management also performs well at $58,390. However, the remaining programs show poor returns. Business Administration graduates earn just $38,289 despite accumulating over $32,000 in debt, while Psychology majors face even worse prospects at $35,954 with their debt load.
The 52% retention rate signals serious problems with student satisfaction and academic support. When half of students transfer or drop out after freshman year, you face high odds of paying tuition without completing your degree. The low graduation rate compounds this risk.
Only 34% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited institutional support for affordability. This creates particular challenges for middle-income families who may not qualify for aid but struggle with the full cost burden.
This school works financially only if you plan to study Fire Protection or Human Resources Management and feel confident you can complete your degree despite the institutional challenges. Students interested in business or psychology should look elsewhere, as similar programs at other institutions offer better value propositions. The combination of low completion rates and weak earning outcomes makes Waldorf a poor financial choice for most prospective students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Waldorf University worth the cost?
Waldorf University's ROI depends heavily on your major, with fire protection graduates earning $74,200 while psychology majors average $35,954. The 29% graduation rate is concerning and significantly below national averages.
What are the best paying majors at Waldorf University?
Fire protection offers the strongest ROI at Waldorf University with $74,200 average earnings, followed by human resources management at $58,390. Business and psychology majors see much lower returns relative to the cost.
How much debt do Waldorf University students graduate with?
Waldorf University graduates have a median debt of $18,752, which is relatively manageable compared to many private schools. However, the low 29% graduation rate means many students may leave with debt but no degree.
What is the graduation rate at Waldorf University?
Only 29% of students graduate from Waldorf University within six years. This extremely low completion rate makes it a high-risk investment for most students.