At $21,144/yr net price, John Brown University graduates earn $53,907/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $19,907/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,144 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $84,576 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $53,907/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$19,907/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 66.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,732/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,333/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,073/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,672/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,817/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $74,105 | $23,552 |
| Engineering, General. | Bachelor | $65,573 | $25,488 |
| Construction Management. | Bachelor | $65,517 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $55,813 | $24,995 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $42,682 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $42,402 | $19,752 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $39,009 | $52,463 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $37,748 | $19,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $37,208 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
The Risk Factor
66.8% of students at John Brown University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 33% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
John Brown University offers solid financial returns for specific programs but creates significant risks for others. Your choice of major will largely determine whether the $21,000 annual net price pays off.
Business administration graduates earn $74,105 annually, making this program one of the strongest financial choices. Engineering majors also perform well at $65,573, though they carry slightly higher debt loads. Construction management rounds out the top-earning programs, benefiting from Arkansas's growing infrastructure sector.
Marketing majors face concerning prospects, earning just $42,682 after graduation. This creates a problematic debt-to-income ratio that could strain your finances for years. The gap between high-performing and low-performing majors is unusually wide at JBU.
The 67% graduation rate presents real completion risk. One in three students never finish their degree, meaning you could accumulate debt without the credential needed to access higher-paying jobs. The regional job market in Northwest Arkansas favors business and technical fields, which aligns well with JBU's strongest programs but limits opportunities for other majors.
You should consider JBU if you plan to study business, engineering, or construction management and want a Christian university environment. The school makes less financial sense for liberal arts majors or students unsure of their career direction. With only 21% of students receiving aid, merit opportunities appear limited compared to other private schools.
Students who struggle academically or frequently change majors face amplified financial risk here. The combination of private school costs and moderate regional wages means you need a clear path to one of the higher-earning programs to justify the investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is John Brown University worth the cost?
John Brown University graduates earn $53,907 ten years after graduation with median debt of $21,250, creating a manageable debt-to-income ratio. The net price of $21,144 per year is reasonable for a private university, though the 67% graduation rate means one in three students don't finish.
What are the highest paying majors at John Brown University?
Business Administration graduates from John Brown University can earn up to $74,105, while Engineering majors average $65,573 and Construction Management graduates earn $65,517. Marketing majors see lower returns at $42,682, making program choice important for ROI.
How much debt do John Brown University graduates have?
John Brown University graduates leave with a median debt of $21,250, which is manageable given the average starting salaries in their top programs. This debt level represents less than half of the typical first-year earnings for business and engineering graduates.
Does John Brown University have good financial aid?
John Brown University's net price of $21,144 suggests decent financial aid since the sticker price is higher. However, the 67% graduation rate indicates some students may struggle financially to complete their degree despite aid.