At $22,144/yr net price, Anderson University graduates earn $48,899/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $14,899/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $22,144 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $88,576 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,899/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$14,899/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 49.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,260/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,931/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,975/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,204/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,576/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $65,238 | $31,107 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $56,035 | $27,000 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $38,829 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $38,529 | $26,851 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $29,524 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $27,000 |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Master | $32,382 | |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $31,133 | $27,000 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Bachelor | $29,685 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $28,055 | $27,094 |
The Risk Factor
49.4% of students at Anderson University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Anderson University delivers weak financial returns that make it a risky investment for most students. With median 10-year earnings of $48,899 against a net price of $22,144 annually, you face below-average earning potential combined with substantial costs.
Business Administration stands as the clear financial winner here, producing $65,238 in median earnings that justify the $31,107 debt load. Nursing also performs reasonably well at $56,035, though you'll still carry $27,000 in debt. Every other major falls into problematic territory. Marketing graduates earn just $38,829 while carrying the same debt burden as nurses. Education majors face the worst scenario, with teacher preparation programs producing earnings below $39,000 against debt loads exceeding $26,000.
The 49% graduation rate creates serious financial risk. If you don't complete your degree, you'll still owe money without the credentials to command higher wages. The 70% retention rate signals that many students struggle academically or financially during their time here.
Anderson University makes financial sense only if you plan to study business or nursing and feel confident about completing your degree. The school works best for students who can minimize borrowing through family support or outside scholarships. Education majors should look elsewhere, as the debt-to-income ratio makes loan repayment challenging on teacher salaries.
With only 36% of students receiving institutional aid, Anderson offers limited merit scholarship opportunities. Your best cost strategy involves maximizing federal and state aid rather than expecting significant help from the university itself. Consider starting at a community college and transferring to reduce your total investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Anderson University worth the cost for the money?
Anderson University's graduates earn $48,899 after 10 years, which is below average for the $22,144 annual cost. The 49% graduation rate means many students don't finish, making the investment risky.
What are the best paying majors at Anderson University?
Business Administration graduates earn the most at $65,238 annually, followed by nursing at $56,035. Education majors earn around $38,500, which may struggle to justify the debt load.
How much debt do Anderson University graduates have?
Graduates leave with a median debt of $27,000. With average starting salaries around $49,000, this creates a manageable but not ideal debt-to-income ratio.
Does Anderson University have good job placement after graduation?
The low 49% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their programs. Business and nursing graduates see better earnings, but nearly half of students don't finish their degrees.