Caldwell University
Caldwell University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Caldwell University at a Glance
Caldwell University is a private Catholic university in Caldwell, New Jersey, United States. Founded in 1939 by the Sisters of St. Dominic, the university is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, chartered by the State of New Jersey, and registered with the Regents of the University of the State of New York. Caldwell offers 25 undergraduate and 30 graduate programs, including doctoral, master's, certificate, and certification programs, as well as online and distance lea…
1939
87 years old
2,005
1,617 undergrad · 388 grad
70 acres
Identity
Is Caldwell University Worth It?
At a value score of 32/100, Caldwell University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $53,843 — 0% above average — while paying $24,691/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.8 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 58% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 6 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Caldwell University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Caldwell University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in NJ
Ranked #75 of 145 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Kalamazoo College | 68 | $19,072 | $65,590 |
| #2 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #3 | Canisius University | 58 | $17,940 | $60,681 |
| #4 | Fresno Pacific University | 57 | $13,630 | $58,896 |
| #5 | Nebraska Wesleyan University | 52 | $18,327 | $56,405 |
| #6 | North Park University | 50 | $16,948 | $59,572 |
| #75 | Caldwell University | 32 | $24,691 | $53,843 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Caldwell University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 3 in NJ.
Best Programs at Caldwell University
The highest-earning program at Caldwell University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $67,000/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Communication and Media Studies at $25,200/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Caldwell University earns $67,000, while a Communication and Media Studies graduate earns $25,200. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $27,000 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Communication and Media Studies.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $24,691/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $67,000 | $67,000 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $45,500 | $45,500 | N/A |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $36,600 | $36,600 | $26,247 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $35,700 | $35,700 | $27,000 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $34,900 | $34,900 | $26,980 |
| Psychology, General | $26,100 | $26,100 | $26,351 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $25,200 | $25,200 | $27,000 |
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Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Caldwell, NJ
- Student Body
- 1,575 students
- Admission Rate
- 71%
- Graduation Rate
- 58%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $24,691
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $53,843
- Median Student Debt
- $25,000