At $25,752/yr net price, Friends University graduates earn $52,113/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $18,113/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $25,752 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $103,008 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $52,113/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$18,113/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 61.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,538/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,122/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $23,404/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $27,432/yr |
| $110,001+ | $33,926/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Information Science/Studies. | Bachelor | $63,005 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $57,995 | $41,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $50,231 | $22,996 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $48,600 | $17,075 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $43,899 | $26,300 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $38,289 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $36,992 | |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $36,069 | $47,833 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $32,711 | $22,500 |
The Risk Factor
61.5% of students at Friends University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 39% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Friends University delivers mixed financial returns, with strong outcomes for tech and business majors but concerning results for education graduates. Your career path will largely determine whether the $25,752 annual cost makes financial sense.
Information Science majors earn $63,005 annually, making this program the clear winner financially. Business Administration graduates see solid returns at $57,995, though they carry higher debt loads of $41,000. Accounting majors earn $50,231 with manageable debt of $22,996, creating a reasonable payoff timeline.
Education majors face the toughest financial picture, earning just $48,600 with debt of $17,075. While the debt load is lower, the earnings barely justify the degree cost given Kansas teaching salaries.
The 61.5% graduation rate raises red flags about your likelihood of completing your degree. Nearly 40% of students don't finish, losing their investment entirely. The 69.6% retention rate suggests many students struggle in their first year.
You face geographic limitations since Friends University lacks national recognition. Most graduates stay in the Kansas job market, where median salaries lag behind coastal cities. This geographic tie particularly hurts if you plan to relocate after graduation.
Friends works best if you're pursuing Information Science or Business Administration and plan to stay in Kansas. The school makes less sense for education majors or students seeking strong credentials for national job markets. With only 33.65% of students receiving aid, merit scholarships appear limited, so you'll likely pay close to full price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Friends University worth the cost?
Friends University's graduates earn $52,113 ten years after enrollment, which is below average for the $25,752 annual net price. The 61.5% graduation rate and $25,000 median debt create mixed value depending on your program choice.
What are the best paying majors at Friends University?
Information Science graduates from Friends University earn the highest at $63,005, followed by Business Administration at $57,995. Education majors earn significantly less at $48,600, making program selection critical for ROI.
How much debt do Friends University graduates have?
Friends University graduates have a median debt of $25,000, which is manageable compared to the national average. However, with average earnings of $52,113, debt-to-income ratios vary significantly by major.
Does Friends University have good job outcomes?
Friends University's 10-year earnings of $52,113 are modest, and the 61.5% graduation rate means about 4 in 10 students don't finish. Job outcomes depend heavily on choosing higher-paying programs like Information Science or Business.