Goshen College
Goshen College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Goshen College at a Glance
Goshen College is a private Mennonite liberal arts college in Goshen, Indiana. Founded in 1894 as the Elkhart Institute of Science, Industry and the Arts, it is affiliated with Mennonite Church USA and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The college enrolled 847 students in fall 2025. Although rooted in the Anabaptist-Mennonite tradition, the college welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds.
1894
132 years old
$139M
$139.3 million (2024)
847
738 undergrad · 717 grad
71
135 acres
47
53 minors
Identity
How to Apply to Goshen College
Official admissions pageTesting policy
Is Goshen College Worth It?
Goshen College offers moderate value at $14,493/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $51,943, which is 3% below average — meaning the financial payoff takes longer than typical. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.1 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 63% graduation rate means roughly 37% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How Goshen College compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in IN
Ranked #4 of 90 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 | College of Biblical Studies-Houston | 100 | $672 | $39,260 |
| #2 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #3 | Clarkson College | 57 | $19,241 | $64,876 |
| #4 | Goshen College | 56 | $14,493 | $51,943 |
| #5 | Goldey-Beacom College | 56 | $15,554 | $59,892 |
| #6 | College of Our Lady of the Elms | 49 | $17,545 | $51,540 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Goshen College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 3 in IN.
Best Programs at Goshen College
The highest-earning program at Goshen College is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $53,000/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 Goshen College earns $53,000, while a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate earns $53,000. 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 $19,657 in median debt vs. $19,657 for Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $14,493/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 | $53,000 | $53,000 | $19,657 |
Similar Colleges in IN
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Goshen, IN
- Student Body
- 773 students
- Admission Rate
- 84%
- Graduation Rate
- 63%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $14,493
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $51,943
- Median Student Debt
- $22,974