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John Carroll University vs The College of Wooster: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, University Heights OH · vs · Private nonprofit, Wooster OH

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

John Carroll University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $114,984 in 7.9 years versus 8.3 years at The College of Wooster, on median earnings of $62,860 vs $59,629 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureJohn Carroll UniversityThe College of Wooster
Net price / yr$28,746$23,458
Total net cost$114,984$93,832
Median earnings, 10 yrs$62,860$59,629
Median debt$26,000$26,500
Payback7.9 yrs8.3 yrs
20-year net return$175,016$131,548

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, John Carroll University or The College of Wooster?

The College of Wooster, at $23,458 a year after aid versus $28,746 — a gap of $5,288 a year, or $21,152 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do John Carroll University or The College of Wooster graduates earn more?

John Carroll University graduates report a median $62,860 ten years after entry, $3,231 more than the $59,629 at The College of Wooster. 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, John Carroll University or The College of Wooster?

John Carroll University: its completers carry a median $26,000 in federal loans versus $26,500 at The College of Wooster, 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?

79% of students finish at John Carroll University, against 74% at The College of Wooster. 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.

John Carroll University vs The College of Wooster: frequently asked questions

Is John Carroll University or The College of Wooster a better value?
John Carroll University. It clears its $114,984 net cost in about 7.9 years versus 8.3 years at The College of Wooster, on median earnings of $62,860 vs $59,629 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, John Carroll University or The College of Wooster?
The College of Wooster: $23,458/yr net price after aid versus $28,746/yr at John Carroll University — a difference of $5,288 a year, or about $21,152 over four years.
Do John Carroll University or The College of Wooster graduates earn more?
John Carroll University graduates earn a median $62,860 ten years after entry, versus $59,629 at The College of Wooster — a $3,231 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.