Students at John Carroll University achieve strong long-term earnings that place the institution among the top quarter of colleges nationwide for financial outcomes.
Graduates consistently outperform national averages, with particularly impressive results for students from all economic backgrounds.
John Carroll University delivers strong long-term value for students seeking a private university education with excellent career outcomes. Located in University Heights, Ohio, this medium-sized Catholic institution consistently produces graduates who earn well above national averages, with median 10-year earnings of $62,860 placing it in the 79th percentile nationally. The university's focus on business, finance, and professional programs creates clear pathways to stable, well-paying careers.
What distinguishes John Carroll is its ability to combine the personalized attention of a smaller private institution with the career outcomes typically seen at much larger universities. Nearly 70% of students graduate within four years, and completion rates remain strong across all student populations. The university maintains selective admissions while still serving nearly 20% Pell Grant recipients, though its primary strength lies in preparing middle- and upper-income students for professional success.
As a "Selective Achievers" institution, John Carroll excels at converting academic preparation into meaningful career advancement. The university's location near Cleveland provides access to major employers in finance, healthcare, and business services, while its strong alumni network opens doors throughout Ohio and beyond. For families prioritizing career outcomes and willing to invest in a private education, John Carroll represents a compelling combination of academic quality and professional preparation.
John Carroll University's program portfolio centers on business and professional fields that lead directly to stable, well-paying careers. The university's strength lies in its business programs, which consistently produce strong earnings outcomes and benefit from extensive employer relationships throughout Ohio and the broader Midwest region. Banking and Financial Support Services stands out as both a high-enrollment and high-return program, graduating 81 students with median earnings of $54,618.
Accounting represents the university's highest-earning program, with 44 graduates achieving median earnings of $56,054 early in their careers. Digital Marketing, as the largest single program with 70 graduates, demonstrates the university's ability to scale quality education while maintaining strong outcomes at $46,589 median earnings. These business-focused programs benefit from John Carroll's location near Cleveland's financial district and its strong alumni network in regional corporations.
The university's concentrated focus on business and professional programs creates clear career pathways and strong employer recognition. While programs like Biology show more modest early earnings, the overall portfolio emphasizes practical, career-oriented education that translates directly into employment opportunities. This strategic focus helps explain why John Carroll graduates consistently achieve above-average earnings compared with similar private institutions.
John Carroll University graduates achieve strong long-term financial outcomes that justify the investment in a private education. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $62,860, placing the university in the 79th percentile nationally for earnings outcomes. This performance reflects the institution's focus on career-oriented programs and strong employer relationships in the Cleveland metropolitan area and beyond.
The university's strongest returns come from its business and finance programs, which dominate the top-earning majors. Banking and Financial Support Services leads with 81 graduates earning a median of $54,618, while Accounting graduates earn around $56,054 early in their careers. Digital Marketing, the university's largest program with 70 graduates, produces solid outcomes at $46,589. These business-focused programs benefit from John Carroll's strong connections to regional employers and comprehensive career services support.
While some programs like Biology show more modest early earnings at $26,933, the university's overall career preparation and alumni network help most graduates achieve steady income growth over time. The concentration in business and professional fields, combined with the university's reputation in Ohio's business community, creates multiple pathways for career advancement and long-term financial success.
John Carroll University's affordability profile reflects its position as a private institution serving primarily middle- and upper-income families. Low-income students pay approximately $22,972 annually after aid, while middle-income families see similar costs around $22,871 per year. High-income families pay about $32,838 annually, which represents the university's commitment to providing substantial financial aid across income levels while maintaining its private education model.
The university's financial aid strategy focuses on making private education accessible to a broader range of families than typical list prices might suggest. Merit-based scholarships and need-based grants help reduce the sticker price significantly, particularly for students in the lower and middle income ranges. This approach allows John Carroll to maintain its academic standards while serving students from diverse economic backgrounds.
Debt levels require careful family planning, with typical graduates carrying $26,000 in federal student loans and families often contributing through Parent PLUS loans averaging $31,502. However, the university's strong earnings outcomes help graduates manage these obligations effectively. With median earnings of $62,860 ten years out, most borrowers can handle standard repayment schedules while building long-term financial stability.
John Carroll University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
