At $28,248/yr net price, Woodbury University graduates earn $65,668/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $31,668/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $28,248 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $112,992 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $65,668/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$31,668/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 54.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,960 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $25,368/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $27,418/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $25,615/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $29,628/yr |
| $110,001+ | $34,434/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $63,997 | $51,250 |
| Architecture. | Master | $53,358 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $52,107 | $19,500 |
| Architecture. | Bachelor | $49,064 | $41,250 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $47,260 | |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $42,682 | |
| Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations. | Bachelor | $37,208 | |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $27,000 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | Bachelor | $25,774 | $26,000 |
The Risk Factor
54.8% of students at Woodbury 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
Woodbury University delivers mediocre financial returns with significant risks tied to its low graduation rate and program-specific debt loads. Your investment faces a 45% chance of failure given that fewer than 55% of students graduate.
Business programs offer the strongest earning potential at $64,000, but debt levels vary wildly within the same field. One business track saddles you with $51,250 in debt while another caps at $19,500 for similar outcomes. Architecture graduates earn $49,000 to $53,000 but carry over $40,000 in debt, creating a challenging debt-to-income ratio in an already competitive field.
The school's location in Burbank provides access to entertainment and media industries, but many programs fail to capitalize on this geographic advantage. Accounting graduates earn just $47,260, below national averages for the field, despite the program's debt burden.
You should consider Woodbury only if you can secure substantial merit aid to reduce the net price below $25,000. The 79% retention rate suggests students struggle with the academic environment or financial pressure. Nearly half of students receive aid, indicating the published price rarely reflects what you'll actually pay.
This school works best for students with clear career goals in business who can access the lower-debt program tracks. Avoid Woodbury if you need architecture training but lack family financial support, as the debt levels create long-term payment challenges. Students uncertain about their major should look elsewhere given the high dropout risk and variable program quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Woodbury University worth the cost for most students?
Woodbury University's ROI is below average, with graduates earning $65,668 ten years after enrollment while facing a median debt of $26,960. The 55% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish their degrees, making this a risky investment for many.
Which Woodbury University programs have the best return on investment?
Business Administration and Management programs at Woodbury show the strongest earnings at around $64,000, while Architecture graduates typically earn $49,000-$53,000. Accounting graduates earn significantly less at $47,260, making it the weakest ROI among top programs.
How much student debt do Woodbury University graduates typically have?
Woodbury graduates carry a median debt of $26,960, which is manageable compared to the national average. However, with starting salaries often below $50,000 in many programs, loan payments may still strain budgets for several years.
Does Woodbury University offer enough financial aid to make it affordable?
With a net price of $28,248 annually, Woodbury provides some financial aid but costs remain high for a regional private university. Students should compare aid packages carefully since the school's outcomes don't justify premium pricing for most majors.