Merrimack College
Merrimack College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Merrimack College at a Glance
Merrimack College is a private Augustinian university in North Andover, Massachusetts. It was founded in 1947 by the Order of St. Augustine with an initial goal to educate World War II veterans. It enrolls approximately 5,700 undergraduate and graduate students from 34 states and 36 countries.
1947
79 years old
$97M
$97.4 million (2025)
5,862
4,102 undergrad · 1,760 grad
220 acres
Identity
Is Merrimack College Worth It?
At a value score of 35/100, Merrimack College is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $75,584 — 41% above average — while paying $37,927/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 2 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 71% graduation rate means roughly 29% 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 Merrimack College has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Merrimack College compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in MA
Ranked #67 of 82 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 Detroit Mercy | 79 | $15,232 | $71,030 |
| #2 | University of Tulsa | 74 | $15,000 | $61,408 |
| #3 | Holy Family University | 72 | $13,143 | $62,235 |
| #4 | Carroll University | 67 | $15,193 | $58,009 |
| #5 | Lewis University | 63 | $17,028 | $66,099 |
| #6 | Ohio Northern University | 62 | $24,478 | $80,928 |
| #67 | Merrimack College | 35 | $37,927 | $75,584 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Merrimack College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 5 in MA.
Best Programs at Merrimack College
The highest-earning program at Merrimack College is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $43,200/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services at $29,800/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate from Merrimack College earns $43,200, while a Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services graduate earns $29,800. 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 Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $37,927/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 | $43,200 | $43,200 | $27,000 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services | $29,800 | $29,800 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in MA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- North Andover, MA
- Student Body
- 3,916 students
- Admission Rate
- 70%
- Graduation Rate
- 71%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $37,927
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $75,584
- Median Student Debt
- $27,000