Heidelberg University
Heidelberg University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Heidelberg University at a Glance
Heidelberg University, officially the Ruprecht Karl University of Heidelberg, is a public research university in Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Founded in 1386 on instruction of Pope Urban VI, Heidelberg is Germany's oldest university and one of the world's oldest surviving universities; it was the third university established in the Holy Roman Empire after Prague (1347) and Vienna (1365). Since 1899, it has been a coeducational institution.
$765M
EUR 764.9 million (2018)
28,959
10,458 undergrad · 13,410 grad
Identity
Is Heidelberg University Worth It?
At a value score of 30/100, Heidelberg University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $48,466 — 10% below average — while paying $20,556/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.7 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 51% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 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 $27,000 representing 56% 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 Heidelberg University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Heidelberg University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in OH
Ranked #79 of 172 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 | Christian Brothers University | 81 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| #4 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #5 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #6 | Goldey-Beacom College | 56 | $15,554 | $59,892 |
| #79 | Heidelberg University | 30 | $20,556 | $48,466 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Heidelberg University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 9 in OH.
Best Programs at Heidelberg University
The highest-earning program at Heidelberg University is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $37,900/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Health and Physical Education/Fitness at $25,100/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate from Heidelberg University earns $37,900, while a Health and Physical Education/Fitness graduate earns $25,100. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Business Administration, Management and Operations graduates carry $27,000 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Health and Physical Education/Fitness.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $20,556/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $37,900 | $37,900 | $27,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $32,100 | $32,100 | $27,000 |
| Education, General | $31,600 | $31,600 | $26,843 |
| Psychology, General | $26,100 | $26,100 | $27,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $25,100 | $25,100 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in OH
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Tiffin, OH
- Student Body
- 915 students
- Admission Rate
- 86%
- Graduation Rate
- 51%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $20,556
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $48,466
- Median Student Debt
- $27,000