Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $61,954/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$27,954/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 30.8% |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Master | $94,408 |
The Risk Factor
30.8% of students at American Jewish University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
American Jewish University hands you a mixed financial picture built on one weak number: only 31% of students who enroll here finish. That's the biggest risk in the whole equation. A degree that pays back is worthless if you don't graduate, and here more than two out of three starters walk away without one, likely carrying debt and no credential to service it.
If you do finish, the payoff is modest but real. Median earnings ten years out land near what a mid-tier bachelor's degree returns nationally, so this isn't a school that vaults you into high income, but it doesn't leave you stranded either. In the Los Angeles job market, where cost of living runs high, that median stretches thinner than the same number would in a cheaper region. Budget accordingly.
No bachelor-level program salary data is listed here, so treat any major-specific earnings claim with caution. Pick a program that connects clearly to LA employers and confirm its outcomes directly with the school before you commit.
This school fits you if you're confident you'll graduate and you value the specific religious and cultural focus American Jewish University offers, something the earnings tables can't measure. If you're choosing purely on financial return, the low graduation rate makes this a gamble, and a larger public university with stronger completion rates and lower net price will likely serve your wallet better.
Read the net price tiers by income closely before deciding. A lower sticker after aid at a lower income does not offset the risk of leaving without a degree. Ask the admissions office what share of students at your income level graduate, not just what they'll pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is American Jewish University worth the cost compared to other colleges?
American Jewish University graduates earn $61,954 annually after 10 years, which is below the national average for college graduates. With a 30.8% graduation rate, the financial risk is significant for most students.
What programs at American Jewish University have the best job prospects?
Theological and Ministerial Studies is the top-earning program at American Jewish University, with graduates making $94,408 annually. This represents one of the few programs where the ROI may justify the investment.
How much debt do American Jewish University students typically graduate with?
With low graduation rates and modest post-graduation earnings, students face high debt risk relative to their earning potential. The 30.8% graduation rate means many students leave with debt but no degree.
Should I consider American Jewish University if I'm not studying theology?
Given the school's focus and the significant earnings gap between theology programs and other fields, students in non-theological programs should carefully consider alternatives with better ROI prospects.