Students at Edgewood College achieve earnings that place the institution among the top 20% nationally, reflecting strong career preparation and industry connections.
Graduates consistently transition into well-paying careers with financial stability that supports comfortable debt repayment and long-term economic security.
Edgewood College delivers strong long-term earnings outcomes that place it in the top 20% nationally among similar institutions. Located in Madison, Wisconsin, this small private nonprofit college combines the intimate learning environment of a close-knit campus with financial outcomes that rival much larger universities. Students benefit from personalized attention and strong faculty relationships while achieving median earnings of $59,728 ten years after enrollment.
The college's strength lies in its ability to prepare students for well-paying careers despite its modest size. With just over 1,800 students, Edgewood maintains the feel of a small liberal arts college while delivering practical, career-focused programs that translate directly into employment opportunities. Nursing stands out as the institution's flagship program, graduating nearly 100 students annually into a high-demand field with strong starting salaries.
As a private institution, Edgewood requires a higher upfront investment than public alternatives, but graduates consistently achieve earnings that justify the cost. The college's focus on professional programs, combined with its location in Wisconsin's capital city, provides students with both academic rigor and real-world career preparation that pays dividends over time.
Edgewood College's program portfolio centers on professional fields that lead directly to stable, well-paying careers. Nursing dominates both enrollment and outcomes, graduating 99 students annually with median earnings of $65,812 ten years out, making it the college's clear flagship program. This substantial nursing cohort reflects Wisconsin's strong healthcare sector and the college's established reputation for preparing skilled healthcare professionals who find ready employment in hospitals, clinics, and specialized care facilities throughout the region.
Business programs provide another solid pathway, with general business majors earning around $40,179 in early career positions. While these earnings are more modest than nursing, business graduates benefit from the college's location in Madison, Wisconsin's capital city, which offers diverse employment opportunities in government, healthcare administration, and private sector roles. The college's small size allows for personalized career counseling and close faculty mentorship that helps students in all programs transition effectively from classroom learning to professional practice, contributing to strong employment rates and career satisfaction across the institution's focused program mix.
Graduates of Edgewood College achieve strong long-term financial outcomes, with median earnings of $59,728 ten years after enrollment. This performance places the institution in the top 20% nationally for earnings, reflecting the college's focus on career-oriented programs that translate directly into employment opportunities. Students also earn slightly more than expected compared with similar students at other institutions, demonstrating the value of Edgewood's personalized approach to education and career preparation.
The college's strongest financial returns come from its nursing program, which graduates about 99 students annually with median earnings of $65,812 ten years out. This program represents Edgewood's largest and most successful academic offering, combining high enrollment with excellent career prospects in Wisconsin's healthcare sector. Business programs also provide solid outcomes, with general business majors earning around $40,179, while other specialized programs show competitive earnings in their respective fields. The college's small size allows for intensive career counseling and industry connections that help students transition effectively from classroom to career, contributing to the institution's above-average earnings performance across multiple program areas.
Affordability at Edgewood College presents a mixed picture, with net prices that reflect its private college status but remain relatively consistent across income levels. Low-income students pay approximately $20,926 annually, while middle-income families see similar costs around $20,806, indicating strong need-based aid that helps level the playing field. Even high-income families pay $29,049, which, while higher, represents a more predictable cost structure than many private institutions where prices can vary dramatically by family circumstances.
Debt levels require careful consideration, as typical graduates leave with about $24,424 in federal student loan debt, somewhat above national averages for similar institutions. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $18,261, reflecting the reality that many families supplement student aid with additional borrowing to cover the full cost of attendance. However, the college's strong earnings outcomes help justify these debt levels, as graduates typically earn enough to manage repayment comfortably. The institution maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, suggesting that borrowers successfully transition into careers that support their debt obligations without significant financial distress.
Edgewood College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis