Students at Caldwell University benefit from earnings that significantly exceed expectations, with graduates earning about $7,541 more than similar students at comparable institutions.
The university's small size and personalized approach create particularly strong outcomes for low-income and first-generation students seeking upward mobility.
Caldwell University is a small private nonprofit institution in New Jersey that consistently delivers strong outcomes for students from diverse backgrounds. Nearly 46% of students receive Pell Grants and 43% are first-generation college students, yet the university maintains solid graduation rates and earnings that exceed expectations. With median 10-year earnings of $53,843 and graduates earning about $7,541 more than similar students at other institutions, Caldwell demonstrates how a small, supportive environment can translate into meaningful financial returns.
The university's strength lies in its ability to serve students who might struggle at larger institutions while still delivering competitive career outcomes. As a designated "Mobility Engine," Caldwell combines broad access with strong upward mobility results, particularly for low-income students who earn a median of $46,700 ten years after enrollment. The 59% completion rate within six years, while modest, reflects the university's commitment to supporting students who often face significant challenges in completing their degrees.
For families seeking a private university experience without the premium price tag of elite institutions, Caldwell offers a compelling value proposition. The combination of personalized attention, strong support systems, and programs that lead directly to stable careers makes it an attractive option for students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings.
Caldwell University's program portfolio centers on career-focused fields that provide clear pathways to stable employment and strong earnings. The Adult Health Nursing program stands out as the university's flagship offering, graduating 60 students annually with median earnings of $72,134 ten years out. This program represents the highest aggregate return at Caldwell, combining substantial enrollment with excellent pay outcomes that reflect the strong demand for qualified nurses in the healthcare sector.
Psychology serves as the university's largest program with 50 graduates, though early earnings of $28,443 reflect the field's typical trajectory where many graduates pursue additional education or enter helping professions with lower starting salaries but strong long-term growth potential. Adult and Continuing Education graduates earn around $47,260, positioning them well for leadership roles in educational settings and professional development.
The university's concentrated approach to program offerings creates advantages for students and employers alike. Rather than spreading resources across dozens of majors, Caldwell focuses on fields where it can provide exceptional preparation and maintain strong industry connections. This strategy helps explain why graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations, as the university can dedicate significant resources to ensuring each program meets current industry standards and employer needs.
Caldwell University graduates achieve solid long-term financial outcomes that exceed expectations given the institution's profile. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $53,843, with the university delivering about $7,541 in earnings beyond expectations compared with similar students at other institutions. This earnings advantage places Caldwell in the 59th percentile nationally for return on investment, demonstrating that the university's small size and supportive environment translate into real financial benefits for graduates.
The strongest returns come from the university's nursing program, which graduates about 60 students annually with median earnings of $72,134 ten years out. This program represents Caldwell's highest aggregate return offering, combining substantial enrollment with excellent pay outcomes. Psychology, the university's largest program with 50 graduates, shows more modest early earnings at $28,443, reflecting the field's typical career trajectory where many graduates pursue additional education or enter helping professions with lower starting salaries but strong long-term stability. Adult and Continuing Education graduates earn around $47,260, positioning them well for leadership roles in educational settings.
The university's focused program portfolio, centered on health sciences, education, and psychology, creates clear pathways from classroom to career. While the overall graduate cohort is smaller than at large universities, this concentrated approach allows for strong employer relationships and personalized career support that helps explain why Caldwell graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations.
Caldwell University offers competitive affordability, particularly for low- and middle-income families seeking a private university education. Low-income students pay a net price of $16,458 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $18,547 per year. These figures represent strong value for a private institution, making Caldwell accessible to families who might otherwise be priced out of private higher education. Even high-income families pay $31,640 annually, which remains reasonable compared with many private universities in the Northeast.
Debt levels at Caldwell are manageable relative to the earnings outcomes graduates achieve. Typical federal student loan debt is $25,000, and with median earnings of $53,843 ten years out, most graduates can handle standard repayment comfortably. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $19,683, a moderate level that reflects the university's efforts to keep total family borrowing within reasonable bounds. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates successfully manage their debt obligations after leaving school.
What makes Caldwell particularly sustainable financially is the combination of reasonable upfront costs and solid earnings outcomes. The university's focus on career-oriented programs like nursing and education means graduates enter fields with predictable employment prospects and steady income growth, making the investment in a Caldwell education both affordable upfront and financially rewarding over time.
Caldwell University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
