Carlow University vs Chestnut Hill College: which has better ROI?
Chestnut Hill College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $111,880 in 30.6 years versus 30.9 years at Carlow University, on median earnings of $52,015 vs $51,051 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Carlow University | Chestnut Hill College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $20,786 | $27,970 |
| Total net cost | $83,144 | $111,880 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $51,051 | $52,015 |
| Median debt | $25,500 | $26,389 |
| Payback | 30.9 yrs | 30.6 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$29,324 | -$38,780 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Carlow University or Chestnut Hill College?
Carlow University, at $20,786 a year after aid versus $27,970 — a gap of $7,184 a year, or $28,736 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 Chestnut Hill College graduates earn more?
Chestnut Hill College graduates report a median $52,015 ten years after entry, $964 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 Chestnut Hill College?
Carlow University: its completers carry a median $25,500 in federal loans versus $26,389 at Chestnut Hill College, a difference of $889. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
60% of students finish at Carlow University, against 49% at Chestnut Hill 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.