Carlow University vs Chatham University: which has better ROI?
Chatham University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $119,816 in 29.6 years versus 30.9 years at Carlow University, on median earnings of $52,410 vs $51,051 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Carlow University | Chatham University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $20,786 | $29,954 |
| Total net cost | $83,144 | $119,816 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $51,051 | $52,410 |
| Median debt | $25,500 | $23,250 |
| Payback | 30.9 yrs | 29.6 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$29,324 | -$38,816 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Carlow University or Chatham University?
Carlow University, at $20,786 a year after aid versus $29,954 — a gap of $9,168 a year, or $36,672 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Carlow University or Chatham University graduates earn more?
Chatham University graduates report a median $52,410 ten years after entry, $1,359 more than the $51,051 at Carlow University. 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, Carlow University or Chatham University?
Chatham University: its completers carry a median $23,250 in federal loans versus $25,500 at Carlow University, a difference of $2,250. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
63% of students finish at Chatham University, against 60% at Carlow University. 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.