Graduates’ starting salaries rank near top among affordable Catholic colleges

Is a four-year, private Benedictine education worth the investment?

Yes, according to a recent study.

AffordableCollegesOnline.org (ACO) ranked Benedictine University among the top 25 most affordable Catholic colleges and universities in the country with the highest starting salaries earned by graduates. Benedictine graduates earn an average starting salary of $40,000, according to the website.

To compile its list, ACO reviewed four-year, fully-accredited private institutions with average starting salaries for graduates at more than $30,000 per year. The website also looked at mid-career salary averages as well as the overall return on investment for the degree.

“In this climate of soaring higher education costs, prospective students should know that it’s quite possible to obtain a great education that lands them a well-paying job,” ACO founder Dan Schuessler said. “These Catholic school graduates leave with the skills and education needed to earn high starting salaries in great careers.”

Benedictine administrators were not surprised by the survey’s results.

“We have always felt that a Benedictine education is one of the best investments parents can make in their student,” said William J. Carroll, Ph.D., president of Benedictine University. “A values-based Benedictine education prepares them to be successful in any number of careers in business, education, medicine, science, government, health care and research.”

Benedictine University, founded in 1887 by the monks of St. Procopius Abbey, provides a values-centered, liberal arts education and excellent programs in business, science, health care, education and the liberal arts. Named among “America’s Top Colleges” by Forbes magazine, Benedictine educates more than 3,700 undergraduate and 2,600 graduate students of all ages, religions, races and national origins.

The rankings were determined by analyzing and leveraging authoritative data sets from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), Carnegie Classification and Payscale.com.

The key factors used to construct the list were:

• IPEDS/Carnegie Classification with Roman Catholic religious affiliation
• Four-year private school
• Fully accredited institution
• IPEDS Net Price less than $20,000 per year
• Starting salary (after graduation) more than $30,000 per year

AffordableCollegesOnline.org provides prospective college students and their parents with information and resources to help them manage the cost of obtaining an education. It’s the first website to offer comprehensive lists of “Most Affordable Colleges” in different categories. 

AffordableCollegesOnline.org’s complete list of “Catholic Colleges With High Starting Salaries” can be found at: http://www.affordablecollegesonline.org/campus-colleges/catholic-colleges/.