Students at Chatham University benefit from above-average earnings outcomes and strong career preparation, particularly in specialized fields like nursing and health sciences.
The university's small size and personalized approach contribute to mobility outcomes that rank in the top 20% nationally, helping students achieve meaningful economic advancement.
Chatham University is a small private nonprofit institution in Pittsburgh that delivers above-average earnings outcomes for graduates while maintaining a close-knit academic environment. With median 10-year earnings of $52,410, graduates perform well in the job market, particularly those in nursing and health-related fields where the university has developed strong program reputations and employer connections.
The university serves a moderately diverse student body, with about 21% of students receiving Pell Grants and nearly 30% being first-generation college students. Completion rates are solid, with 66% of students graduating within six years, and Pell recipients actually show slightly higher completion rates at 69%, indicating effective support systems for students from lower-income backgrounds.
As a small private institution, Chatham offers the personalized attention and tight-knit community that many students seek, while still delivering career outcomes that justify the investment. The university's location in Pittsburgh provides access to a diverse job market in healthcare, technology, and professional services, helping graduates transition successfully into their chosen careers.
Chatham University's program portfolio reflects its focus on career-oriented fields with strong employment prospects, particularly in healthcare and human services. The Adult Health Nursing program stands out as both a high-return and strategically important offering, graduating 30 students annually who earn a median of $67,180 ten years out—significantly above the institutional average and reflecting the strong demand for advanced practice nurses in the Pittsburgh region and beyond.
Psychology represents the university's largest program by enrollment, graduating 34 students annually, though early-career earnings of $30,771 are more modest and typical for the field. This pattern reflects the reality that psychology graduates often pursue additional education, gain experience in entry-level positions, or transition into related fields like counseling, social work, or human resources where earnings potential grows over time.
The university's program mix emphasizes quality over quantity, with smaller cohorts that allow for personalized attention and strong faculty-student relationships. This approach particularly benefits students in specialized fields like nursing, where clinical training, mentorship, and professional networking are crucial for career success. Chatham's Pittsburgh location provides access to major healthcare systems and research institutions, creating valuable internship and employment opportunities that enhance the practical value of these focused academic programs.
Chatham University graduates achieve solid long-term financial outcomes, with median earnings of $52,410 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution above average nationally for graduate earnings. While the university's overall return metrics show some variation by field of study, graduates in key programs like nursing consistently achieve strong earning potential that reflects the institution's focused approach to career preparation.
The university's strongest financial returns come from its nursing programs, where Adult Health Nursing graduates earn a median of $67,180 ten years out, significantly above the institutional average. This reflects both the high demand for qualified nurses and Chatham's reputation for preparing students for advanced practice roles in healthcare. Psychology, while the largest program with 34 graduates, shows more modest early-career earnings at $30,771, typical for a field that often requires additional education or experience for higher compensation.
Chatham's approach emphasizes quality over quantity, with smaller cohorts in specialized programs that maintain strong employer relationships and job placement rates. The university's Pittsburgh location provides graduates access to major healthcare systems, research institutions, and growing technology sectors, supporting career advancement opportunities that contribute to the institution's above-average earnings performance over time.
Affordability at Chatham University reflects the typical private college pricing structure, with net prices that vary significantly by family income level. Low-income students pay about $20,839 annually after aid, while middle-income families see costs around $22,983, and higher-income families pay approximately $27,814 per year. These prices position Chatham in the lower quartile nationally for affordability, reflecting the premium associated with small private institutions.
The university's financial aid approach helps moderate costs for students from lower-income backgrounds, though families across all income levels should expect to make substantial financial commitments. Most students who borrow take on federal student loans averaging $23,250, while families often supplement with Parent PLUS loans averaging $27,879. The combination of institutional aid and federal programs helps make attendance possible for students from diverse economic backgrounds, though the total cost of attendance requires careful financial planning.
What makes Chatham's pricing more sustainable is the institution's strong track record of graduate success and career preparation. With solid earnings outcomes and specialized program strengths, graduates are generally well-positioned to manage their educational debt while building careers in their chosen fields.
Chatham University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
