At $19,470/yr net price, Wittenberg University graduates earn $54,947/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $20,947/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,470 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $77,880 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,947/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$20,947/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 53.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,347/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,344/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,504/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,410/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,825/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $50,856 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $49,464 | |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $37,748 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $37,208 | $27,000 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $26,896 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $25,774 | |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $21,052 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
53.8% of students at Wittenberg 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
Wittenberg University delivers weak financial returns for most students, with median earnings barely reaching $55,000 ten years after graduation despite a $19,470 annual net price. Your investment faces immediate risk from the 54% graduation rate, meaning nearly half of students leave without degrees while still carrying debt.
Marketing and general business majors see the strongest returns at roughly $50,000 annually, though these still lag behind typical business program outcomes at peer institutions. Education majors face particularly poor prospects, earning just $37,000 while carrying $27,000 in debt. Sociology graduates show alarming earnings of only $27,000, making loan repayment difficult.
The 74% retention rate signals student dissatisfaction or financial strain, creating additional completion risk for your investment. With only 29% of students receiving aid, you should expect limited financial assistance unless you qualify for merit scholarships targeting specific academic achievements or regional recruitment.
Wittenberg makes financial sense only if you plan to study business or marketing, have family financial support to minimize borrowing, or receive substantial merit aid. Students considering education, liberal arts, or social sciences should look elsewhere for better earning potential. The Springfield job market offers limited high-paying opportunities, so factor in potential relocation costs after graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wittenberg University worth the cost?
Wittenberg's graduates earn $54,947 ten years after enrollment, which is reasonable for the $19,470 annual net price. However, the 54% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish, making it a risky investment for many.
What are the best paying majors at Wittenberg University?
Marketing and general business majors at Wittenberg earn around $50,000 annually, which provides decent returns. Education and sociology majors earn significantly less at $37,000 and $27,000 respectively, making these programs harder to justify financially.
How much student debt do Wittenberg University graduates have?
Wittenberg graduates leave with a median debt of $27,000, which is manageable given the average earnings of $55,000. The debt-to-income ratio is reasonable for graduates who complete their degrees.
Does Wittenberg University have good financial aid?
Wittenberg's net price of $19,470 suggests decent financial aid packages bring down the sticker price. The relatively low net cost combined with moderate debt levels indicates the school works to make attendance affordable.