Wittenberg University
Wittenberg University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Wittenberg University at a Glance
Wittenberg University is a private liberal arts college in Springfield, Ohio, United States. It had 1,326 full-time students drawn from 33 states and 9 foreign countries in 2022. Wittenberg University is associated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Although the college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, it was placed on probation in November 2025 for not meeting HLC criteria related to financial management.
1845
181 years old
$108M
$108 million (2023)
1,326
102
114 acres
Identity
Is Wittenberg University Worth It?
At a value score of 39/100, Wittenberg University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $54,947 — 2% above average — while paying $18,649/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.4 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 53% 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.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Wittenberg University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Wittenberg University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in OH
Ranked #42 of 151 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 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #3 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #4 | Canisius University | 58 | $17,940 | $60,681 |
| #5 | Fresno Pacific University | 57 | $13,630 | $58,896 |
| #6 | Clarkson College | 57 | $19,241 | $64,876 |
| #42 | Wittenberg University | 39 | $18,649 | $54,947 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Wittenberg University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 4 in OH.
Best Programs at Wittenberg University
The highest-earning program at Wittenberg University is Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at $35,100/year (4 years after graduation).
Your major matters more than the school name — a Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods graduate from Wittenberg University earns $35,100, while a Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods graduate earns $35,100. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods graduates carry $27,000 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $18,649/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $35,100 | $35,100 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in OH
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Springfield, OH
- Student Body
- 1,215 students
- Admission Rate
- 72%
- Graduation Rate
- 53%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $18,649
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $54,947
- Median Student Debt
- $27,000