At $23,615/yr net price, Eastern Mennonite University graduates earn $54,869/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $20,869/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,615 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $94,460 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,869/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$20,869/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 47.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,813 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $16,418/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,081/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,592/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $26,047/yr |
| $110,001+ | $31,526/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 | $62,211 | $21,500 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $39,009 | $51,250 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $35,060 | $27,000 |
| Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution. | Master | $33,993 | |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
The Risk Factor
47.1% of students at Eastern Mennonite 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
Eastern Mennonite University gives you a mixed financial return that leans on one program to carry the rest. Median earnings ten years out sit near $55,000 against a median debt of about $25,000, so debt stays manageable for a typical graduate. The problem is spread: what you study here decides whether the math works.
Nursing is the clear payoff. It pays roughly $28,000 more per year than social work and comes with less debt, so you graduate ahead on both sides of the ledger. If you enroll for nursing, the numbers make sense. Liberal arts and social work are the opposite. Social work grads earn under $34,000, and liberal arts grads carry the highest debt of the three listed programs while earning around $35,000. Those two majors leave you paying private-school prices for public-service wages.
The biggest school-specific risk is completion. Fewer than half of students finish, and about a quarter don't return after their first year. If you borrow, start, and don't graduate, you hold the debt without the degree that repays it. That risk hits harder here than the sticker price does.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families in an odd way. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay less than families earning $48,000 to $75,000, and roughly half what families over $110,000 pay. So EMU is most affordable if you come from a low-income household and enter nursing. It's a poor financial fit if you're paying the full $31,500 tier for a social work or liberal arts degree.
Come here for nursing, and the return holds. Come here for social work or general studies at full price, and expect to earn back your investment slowly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Eastern Mennonite University worth the money?
Eastern Mennonite University's ROI depends heavily on your major. Nursing graduates earn $62,211 annually, making the $24,813 median debt manageable, but liberal arts majors average just $35,060 with the same debt load.
What are the best paying majors at Eastern Mennonite University?
Nursing programs offer the strongest financial returns at Eastern Mennonite University, with graduates earning $62,211 annually. Mental health services majors earn $39,009, while other programs like peace studies and social work average around $34,000.
How much debt do Eastern Mennonite University graduates have?
Eastern Mennonite University graduates carry a median debt of $24,813. With 10-year earnings of $54,869, this debt load is reasonable for nursing majors but creates financial strain for graduates in lower-paying fields.
Does Eastern Mennonite University have good graduation rates?
Eastern Mennonite University has a 47% graduation rate, which is below the national average. The low completion rate combined with moderate debt levels increases financial risk for students who don't finish their degrees.