Chatham University
Chatham University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Chatham University at a Glance
Chatham University is a private university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. Originally founded as a women's college, it began enrolling men in undergraduate programs in 2015. It enrolls about 2,110 students, including 1,002 undergraduate students and 1,108 graduate students.
1869
157 years old
$107M
$106.6 million (2021)
2,314
1,555 undergrad · 759 grad
39 acres
Identity
Is Chatham University Worth It?
At a value score of 28/100, Chatham University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $52,410 — 3% below average — while paying $29,954/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.3-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
The 65% graduation rate means roughly 35% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Chatham University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Chatham University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in PA
Ranked #59 of 109 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 | University of St Francis | 81 | $13,006 | $63,926 |
| #2 | Fresno Pacific University | 57 | $13,630 | $58,896 |
| #3 | North Park University | 50 | $16,948 | $59,572 |
| #4 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| #5 | Coe College | 48 | $18,745 | $57,125 |
| #6 | Daemen University | 48 | $18,693 | $61,808 |
| #59 | Chatham University | 28 | $29,954 | $52,410 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Chatham University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 9 in PA.
Best Programs at Chatham University
The highest-earning program at Chatham University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $64,900/year (4 years after graduation).
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Chatham University earns $64,900, while a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate earns $64,900. 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 $12,500 in median debt vs. $12,500 for Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $29,954/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 | $64,900 | $64,900 | $12,500 |
Similar Colleges in PA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Pittsburgh, PA
- Student Body
- 1,232 students
- Admission Rate
- 62%
- Graduation Rate
- 65%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $29,954
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $52,410
- Median Student Debt
- $23,250