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 gives you a middle-of-the-road financial outcome that leans on which major you pick. At roughly $18,600 a year in net price against $53,000 median earnings a decade out, the math works only if you land in the right program. The 65.9% graduation rate and 83% retention are solid enough that you have a real shot at finishing, which matters because dropping out with debt is the worst outcome here.
Engineering is the clear winner. It pays the most of any listed program and carries no flagged debt burden, so your return there is strong. Nursing pays close behind but comes with more borrowing than the median, so you take on higher debt for similar earnings. Teacher education is the weak spot. Graduates earn about $34,000, roughly $20,000 less than engineering, and that gap makes the same net price a much harder deal. If teaching is your plan, go in knowing the paycheck won't stretch far against your loans.
The net price tiers hold a surprise. Families earning under $48,000 actually pay less than middle earners, with the $48,000-$75,000 band paying the lowest of all at about $13,600. If you earn over $110,000, you pay near full freight at roughly $24,800. Middle-income families around $75,000-$110,000 get less of a break than lower-income ones, so run your own aid numbers before assuming a discount.
This school fits you if you're heading into engineering or nursing and can finish in four years. If you're set on teaching or another lower-paying field, the private-college price tag is hard to justify, and a cheaper public option may leave you with less debt for the same career.
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.