At $18,597/yr net price, Andrews University graduates earn $53,187/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $19,187/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,597 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $74,388 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $53,187/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$19,187/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 65.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,008/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,853/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,563/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,761/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,813/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $76,460 | $118,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $69,338 | |
| Architecture. | Master | $59,169 | |
| Engineering, General. | Bachelor | $55,964 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $52,107 | $27,750 |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Doctoral | $41,193 | $78,154 |
| Economics. | Master | $35,060 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $33,993 | |
| Social Work. | Master | $33,993 | $61,500 |
The Risk Factor
65.9% of students at Andrews University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 34% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Andrews University delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your chosen major. The $18,597 annual net price positions this Seventh-day Adventist institution as affordable compared to most private colleges, but earnings outcomes vary dramatically across programs.
Rehabilitation and therapeutic professions graduates earn $76,460 annually, making this the school's strongest financial bet despite carrying $118,500 in debt. Business administration and architecture also provide solid returns at $69,338 and $59,169 respectively. However, many other programs struggle to justify even Andrews' modest costs, with the overall median earnings of $53,187 falling short of what you'd expect from a four-year degree.
The 65.90% graduation rate signals completion risk that could leave you with debt but no degree. This matters more at Andrews because the school's religious mission attracts students who may not be primarily motivated by career earnings, potentially inflating dropout rates among those seeking strong financial returns.
You should target Andrews if you plan to study rehabilitation therapy, business, or architecture and value the school's faith-based environment. The relatively low debt load of $26,000 for most graduates makes this manageable even with modest earnings.
Avoid Andrews if you're considering programs outside the top earners, especially if you're not committed to the Adventist lifestyle that defines campus culture. The 22% financial aid rate suggests limited need-based help, so middle-income families may face the full sticker price. Your best financial strategy involves securing merit scholarships upfront, as Andrews offers various academic and denominational awards that can significantly reduce costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Andrews University worth the cost compared to other colleges?
Andrews University graduates earn a median of $53,187 ten years after graduation, which is below the national average for college graduates. With a net price of $18,597 per year and typical debt of $26,000, the return on investment is modest unless you pursue high-paying programs like rehabilitation therapy or business.
Which Andrews University programs have the best job prospects and salaries?
Rehabilitation and therapeutic professions lead with $76,460 median earnings, followed by business administration at $69,338. Architecture and engineering also show strong returns, while nursing graduates earn around $52,107.
How much student debt do Andrews University graduates typically have?
Andrews University graduates have a median debt of $26,000, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. However, with overall graduate earnings of $53,187, debt-to-income ratios depend heavily on your chosen major.
What are the risks of attending Andrews University financially?
The 66% graduation rate means one in three students don't finish their degree, often with debt and no credential. The relatively low earnings for most programs make Andrews University a higher-risk investment unless you're in a top-paying field like rehabilitation therapy or business.