Eastern University vs Carlow University: which has better ROI?
Carlow University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $83,144 in 30.9 years versus 32.4 years at Eastern University, on median earnings of $51,051 vs $51,655 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Eastern University | Carlow University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $26,662 | $20,786 |
| Total net cost | $106,648 | $83,144 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $51,655 | $51,051 |
| Median debt | $25,000 | $25,500 |
| Payback | 32.4 yrs | 30.9 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$40,748 | -$29,324 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Eastern University or Carlow University?
Carlow University, at $20,786 a year after aid versus $26,662 — a gap of $5,876 a year, or $23,504 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Eastern University or Carlow University graduates earn more?
Eastern University graduates report a median $51,655 ten years after entry, $604 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, Eastern University or Carlow University?
Eastern University: its completers carry a median $25,000 in federal loans versus $25,500 at Carlow University, a difference of $500. 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 54% at Eastern 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.