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Head-to-head comparison

Carlow University vs Chestnut Hill College: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Pittsburgh PA · vs · Private nonprofit, Philadelphia PA

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

Option A Pittsburgh, PA

Carlow University

Net price / year
$20,786
Earnings, 10 years
$51,051
Payback
30.9 yrs

Option B Philadelphia, PA

Chestnut Hill College

Net price / year
$27,970
Earnings, 10 years
$52,015
Payback
30.6 yrs
The verdict

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.)

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Head to head
MeasureCarlow UniversityChestnut 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
Payback30.9 yrs30.6 yrs
20-year net return-$29,324-$38,780

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

The short answer

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.

The short answer

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.

The short answer

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.

The short answer

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.

Carlow University vs Chestnut Hill College: frequently asked questions

Is Carlow University or Chestnut Hill College a better value?
Chestnut Hill College. It clears its $111,880 net cost in about 30.6 years versus 30.9 years at Carlow University, on median earnings of $52,015 vs $51,051 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Carlow University or Chestnut Hill College?
Carlow University: $20,786/yr net price after aid versus $27,970/yr at Chestnut Hill College — a difference of $7,184 a year, or about $28,736 over four years.
Do Carlow University or Chestnut Hill College graduates earn more?
Chestnut Hill College graduates earn a median $52,015 ten years after entry, versus $51,051 at Carlow University — a $964 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.