Carlow University
Carlow University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Carlow University at a Glance
Carlow University is a private Catholic university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. Founded in 1929 by the Sisters of Mercy, it enrolled over 2,400 students as of fall 2024. The university's athletic teams are known as the Celtics, reflecting its Irish heritage.
1929
97 years old
2,419
1,358 undergrad · 1,061 grad
14 acres
Identity
Is Carlow University Worth It?
At a value score of 35/100, Carlow University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $51,051 — 5% below average — while paying $20,786/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.6 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.
With median debt of $25,500 representing 50% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Carlow University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Carlow University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in PA
Ranked #56 of 153 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 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #2 | Christian Brothers University | 81 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| #3 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #4 | Saint Peter's University | 72 | $12,199 | $57,815 |
| #5 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #6 | Goldey-Beacom College | 56 | $15,554 | $59,892 |
| #56 | Carlow University | 35 | $20,786 | $51,051 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Carlow University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 14 in PA.
Best Programs at Carlow University
The highest-earning program at Carlow University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $57,300/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at $23,700/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Carlow University earns $57,300, while a Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods graduate earns $23,700. 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 $24,537 in median debt vs. $26,250 for Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $20,786/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 | $57,300 | $57,300 | $24,537 |
| Psychology, General | $24,900 | $24,900 | $33,928 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $23,700 | $23,700 | $26,250 |
Similar Colleges in PA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Pittsburgh, PA
- Student Body
- 1,348 students
- Admission Rate
- 87%
- Graduation Rate
- 58%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $20,786
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $51,051
- Median Student Debt
- $25,500