Roberts Wesleyan University
Roberts Wesleyan University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Roberts Wesleyan University at a Glance
Roberts Wesleyan University is a private Christian university in Chili, New York, near Rochester, New York, United States. It was the first educational institution established for Free Methodists in North America. Roberts is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. In the fall of 2023, Roberts Wesleyan enrolled 1621 students in undergraduate, graduate, adult degree completion and doctoral programs.
1866
160 years old
$39M
$39 million (2025)
1,092
89
Identity
Is Roberts Wesleyan University Worth It?
At a value score of 39/100, Roberts Wesleyan University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $55,031 — 2% above average — while paying $23,130/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.
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 Roberts Wesleyan University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Roberts Wesleyan University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in NY
Ranked #37 of 147 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 | Canisius University | 58 | $17,940 | $60,681 |
| #3 | Fresno Pacific University | 57 | $13,630 | $58,896 |
| #4 | Clarkson College | 57 | $19,241 | $64,876 |
| #5 | Ursuline College | 53 | $16,164 | $56,878 |
| #6 | Nebraska Wesleyan University | 52 | $18,327 | $56,405 |
| #37 | Roberts Wesleyan University | 39 | $23,130 | $55,031 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Roberts Wesleyan University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 8 in NY.
Best Programs at Roberts Wesleyan University
The highest-earning program at Roberts Wesleyan University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $61,800/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 Roberts Wesleyan University earns $61,800, while a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate earns $61,800. 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 $20,834 in median debt vs. $20,834 for Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $23,130/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 | $61,800 | $61,800 | $20,834 |
Similar Colleges in NY
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Rochester, NY
- Student Body
- 1,149 students
- Admission Rate
- 71%
- Graduation Rate
- 65%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $23,130
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $55,031
- Median Student Debt
- $23,750