At $17,529/yr net price, Bob Jones University graduates earn $44,354/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,354/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $17,529 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $70,116 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,354/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,354/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 69.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $16,585 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,037/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,494/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,625/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,194/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,916/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $60,240 | $26,972 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $46,589 | $21,500 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $35,594 | $18,298 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $34,908 | $19,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $30,409 | $17,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $29,995 | $18,000 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $29,685 | $15,750 |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Bachelor | $28,598 | |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Associate | $25,194 |
The Risk Factor
69.6% of students at Bob Jones University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 30% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Bob Jones University delivers poor financial returns for most students, with median earnings of just $44,354 ten years after graduation despite a net price of $17,529 annually. The numbers reveal stark disparities between programs that make career planning critical.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, generating $60,240 in median earnings that justify the higher debt load of $26,972. Accounting graduates earn $46,589 with moderate debt of $21,500, making it another solid choice. Beyond these two programs, the financial picture deteriorates quickly.
Criminal justice, business administration, and education majors face concerning earning potential relative to their investment. Education graduates earn just $30,409 annually, barely covering loan payments and living expenses in most markets. The regional job market in South Carolina compounds these challenges, with limited high-paying opportunities outside healthcare and specialized business roles.
Your biggest financial risk at Bob Jones is choosing the wrong major. The $15,000+ annual earnings gap between nursing and education graduates creates vastly different financial trajectories. The 69.6% graduation rate also means three in ten students leave with debt but no degree.
Bob Jones works financially if you pursue nursing or accounting and can complete your degree in four years. The relatively low net price helps, but only if your earnings justify the investment. Students interested in education, ministry, or liberal arts should carefully consider whether the debt burden aligns with realistic career earnings.
The school's low financial aid participation rate of 29.23% suggests limited need-based assistance, making merit scholarships your best path to reducing costs. Without significant aid, most programs at Bob Jones carry too much financial risk for the returns they generate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bob Jones University worth the money?
Bob Jones University graduates earn $44,354 ten years after graduation, which is below average for college graduates nationally. The nursing programs offer better returns at $60,240, but other majors like education ($30,409) and business ($34,908) provide limited financial upside relative to the cost.
What is the ROI for Bob Jones University graduates?
With a net price of $17,529 per year and median earnings of $44,354, Bob Jones University provides modest returns compared to other colleges. The school's 69.6% graduation rate means nearly one in three students don't finish their degree.
How much debt do Bob Jones University students graduate with?
Bob Jones University graduates have a median debt of $16,585, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. However, graduates in lower-paying fields like education may struggle with loan payments given their starting salaries.
Which majors at Bob Jones University have the best job prospects?
Nursing programs at Bob Jones University lead to the highest earnings at $60,240 annually. Accounting graduates earn $46,589, while education majors face limited earning potential at $30,409 despite the school's religious education focus.