Students at Calumet College of Saint Joseph benefit from a supportive environment specifically designed for first-generation and working-class students seeking accessible higher education.
The college provides earnings beyond expectations for its graduates, though outcomes remain modest compared to national averages.
Calumet College of Saint Joseph is a small private nonprofit institution in Whiting, Indiana, serving a student body where nearly half receive Pell Grants and over half are first-generation college students. The college provides accessible higher education with a strong commitment to serving working-class families and non-traditional students in the greater Chicago metropolitan area.
While the institution faces challenges in graduation rates and long-term earnings outcomes, it fills an important role in providing educational opportunities to students who might not otherwise attend college. The college's small size allows for personalized attention and support, though this comes with trade-offs in terms of program breadth and post-graduation earning potential compared to larger institutions.
For families prioritizing access and affordability over maximum financial returns, Calumet College represents a pathway to higher education that serves students from diverse backgrounds. The institution's mission centers on providing opportunity rather than optimizing for traditional metrics, making it a consideration for students who value community, support, and the chance to be the first in their family to earn a college degree.
Calumet College of Saint Joseph's small size and limited program data reflect its focused mission as a regional institution serving local workforce needs. The college typically offers programs aligned with community demands rather than pursuing comprehensive academic breadth or high-earning specialized fields.
Without extensive program-level data available, the institution appears to concentrate on foundational undergraduate education rather than specialized professional programs that might drive higher earnings outcomes. This approach aligns with the college's role serving first-generation students and working-class families who often seek practical, accessible education rather than specialized career preparation.
The limited program portfolio means fewer pathways to high-earning careers compared to larger institutions, but it also allows for more personalized attention and support within the programs that do exist. Students considering Calumet College should focus on whether the available programs align with their career goals and whether the supportive environment compensates for the more limited academic options.
Graduates of Calumet College of Saint Joseph earn a median of $46,945 ten years after enrollment, which places the institution in the lower quartile nationally for long-term earnings outcomes. However, graduates do earn about $5,235 more than similar students at comparable institutions, suggesting the college provides some earnings advantage beyond what might be expected given its student profile and resources.
The college's small size and limited program offerings mean fewer pathways to high-earning careers compared to larger institutions. With only 59 graduates earning more than $75,000 annually, the institution serves students who typically enter fields with more modest but stable earning potential. The earnings outcomes reflect both the college's focus on serving first-generation and working-class students and the reality that smaller private colleges often have fewer connections to high-paying industries.
While the financial returns are below national averages, the college does provide value for students who might not otherwise complete a four-year degree. The earnings beyond expectations suggest that despite resource constraints, the institution helps students achieve somewhat better outcomes than predicted, though families should have realistic expectations about long-term earning potential when considering this option.
Calumet College of Saint Joseph offers relatively consistent net pricing across income levels, with low-income students paying about $19,752 annually, middle-income families paying $22,838, and higher-income families paying $21,254. This pricing structure reflects the college's commitment to serving students from diverse economic backgrounds without dramatic price discrimination.
The college's affordability profile shows both strengths and concerns. While net prices are reasonable for a private institution, graduation rates remain low, with only about 30% of students completing their degree within six years. This completion challenge means that some students may accumulate debt without earning a degree, which represents a significant financial risk for families considering the institution.
Typical federal student loan debt of $21,534 is manageable relative to many private colleges, and Parent PLUS borrowing averages a modest $8,640. However, given the lower earning outcomes, families should carefully consider whether the debt load aligns with realistic post-graduation income expectations. The college serves students who often have limited alternatives, making the affordability calculation more complex than simple debt-to-income ratios might suggest.
Calumet College Of Saint Joseph Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
