Carlow University provides meaningful educational access for students who might not otherwise attend college, particularly first-generation and Pell-eligible students seeking supportive campus environments.
The university's strength in nursing and health sciences offers clear career pathways, though families should carefully evaluate the financial investment given moderate earnings outcomes.
Carlow University is a small private nonprofit institution in Pittsburgh that serves a diverse student body with strong access but faces challenges in delivering competitive long-term financial outcomes. Nearly 41% of students receive Pell Grants and 37% are first-generation college students, reflecting the university's commitment to serving underrepresented populations. However, graduates earn a median of $51,051 ten years after enrollment, which places the institution in the middle range nationally for earnings outcomes.
The university's mobility quadrant classification as "Under-Resourced Institutions" reflects this tension between strong access and more modest outcomes. While Carlow opens its doors widely to students who might not otherwise attend college, graduates earn somewhat less than similar students at other institutions. The university's strength lies primarily in nursing programs, which produce the highest aggregate returns and represent a significant portion of successful graduates.
As a small private institution, Carlow offers the personalized attention and close faculty relationships that many students value, particularly those from backgrounds where college attendance is not the norm. For families considering this option, the key question is whether the supportive environment and specialized programs justify the investment given the moderate earnings trajectory compared with other institutions.
Carlow University's program portfolio centers on nursing and health sciences, with Adult Health Nursing representing both the largest successful program and the strongest financial outcomes. This program graduates 124 students annually with median earnings of $58,919, demonstrating how focused professional preparation can lead to stable, middle-class careers in high-demand fields. The nursing program's success reflects both strong curriculum design and robust employer relationships in the Pittsburgh healthcare market.
Beyond nursing, the university's academic offerings show more mixed financial results. Biology, the largest non-nursing program with 35 graduates, produces early-career earnings around $36,132, typical for students who may pursue graduate education or entry-level research positions. Psychology graduates, while fewer in number at 28 students, face more challenging early earnings around $28,598, reflecting the field's typical requirement for additional training or graduate education to achieve optimal career outcomes.
The concentration in health-related fields aligns with regional employment opportunities and student interests, though it also means the university's overall outcomes depend heavily on healthcare sector performance. Students considering Carlow should understand that success depends significantly on program choice, with nursing and related health sciences offering the clearest pathways to stable employment and reasonable earnings, while other programs may require additional planning for optimal career development.
Graduates of Carlow University see moderate long-term financial outcomes, with median earnings of $51,051 ten years after enrollment. This performance places the institution around the national average for earnings, though graduates earn slightly less than similar students at other institutions. The university's return profile reflects both its program mix and the reality that many graduates enter fields that prioritize service over maximum compensation.
Nursing stands out as Carlow's strongest financial program, with Adult Health Nursing graduates earning a median of $58,919 and representing the university's highest aggregate return due to strong enrollment of 124 graduates. This program demonstrates how specialized professional training can lead to solid middle-class earnings in stable, in-demand careers. Biology graduates, while representing the largest non-nursing program with 35 students, see more modest early-career earnings around $36,132, reflecting the field's typical trajectory toward graduate school or entry-level research positions.
The university's overall earnings performance, while not exceptional, provides graduates with access to stable career paths, particularly in healthcare and human services. For students entering with clear professional goals in nursing or related health fields, Carlow's focused programs can deliver meaningful career preparation, though families should understand that earnings growth may be more gradual compared with institutions emphasizing business, technology, or other high-growth sectors.
Affordability at Carlow University varies significantly by family income, with net prices that reflect typical private institution patterns. Low-income students pay about $16,896 annually, which is reasonable for a private university, while middle-income families face costs around $19,527 per year. High-income families see net prices climb to $23,797, representing the full weight of private tuition with limited aid.
Debt levels require careful consideration given the university's earnings outcomes. Typical graduates leave with $25,500 in federal student loan debt, a substantial amount that represents a meaningful monthly payment obligation. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $17,208, adding to the total family debt burden. With median graduate earnings around $51,051, families need to plan carefully to ensure debt payments remain manageable within typical post-graduation budgets.
The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates generally manage their debt obligations successfully, though this may reflect careful borrowing practices rather than exceptionally strong earnings. For families considering Carlow, the affordability equation depends heavily on program choice and career goals, with nursing and health science students likely to see better debt-to-income ratios than those in lower-earning fields.
Carlow University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
