Campbell University vs Catawba College: which has better ROI?
Campbell University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $98,064 in 15 years versus 165.2 years at Catawba College, on median earnings of $54,886 vs $48,793 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Campbell University | Catawba College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $24,516 | $17,879 |
| Total net cost | $98,064 | $71,516 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $54,886 | $48,793 |
| Median debt | $22,500 | $25,000 |
| Payback | 15 yrs | 165.2 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $32,456 | -$62,856 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Campbell University or Catawba College?
Catawba College, at $17,879 a year after aid versus $24,516 — a gap of $6,637 a year, or $26,548 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Campbell University or Catawba College graduates earn more?
Campbell University graduates report a median $54,886 ten years after entry, $6,093 more than the $48,793 at Catawba College. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Campbell University or Catawba College?
Campbell University: its completers carry a median $22,500 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Catawba College, a difference of $2,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
61% of students finish at Campbell University, against 47% at Catawba College. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.