Waldorf University
Waldorf University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Waldorf University Worth It?
At a value score of 16/100, Waldorf University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $51,165 — 5% below average — while paying $19,693/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.5 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 24% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 2 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Waldorf University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Waldorf University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in IA
Ranked #214 of 229 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 | Christian Brothers University | 81 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| #2 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #3 | Holy Family University | 72 | $13,143 | $62,235 |
| #4 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #5 | Canisius University | 58 | $17,940 | $60,681 |
| #6 | University of Mary | 58 | $17,770 | $60,909 |
| #214 | Waldorf University | 16 | $19,693 | $51,165 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Waldorf University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 13 in IA.
Best Programs at Waldorf University
The highest-earning program at Waldorf University is Fire Protection at $70,100/year (4 years after graduation).
Your major matters more than the school name — a Fire Protection graduate from Waldorf University earns $70,100, while a Fire Protection graduate earns $70,100. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Fire Protection graduates carry $16,909 in median debt vs. $16,909 for Fire Protection.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $19,693/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Protection | $70,100 | $70,100 | $16,909 |
Similar Colleges in IA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Forest City, IA
- Student Body
- 1,827 students
- Admission Rate
- 77%
- Graduation Rate
- 24%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $19,693
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $51,165
- Median Student Debt
- $18,752