At $25,027/yr net price, Judson University graduates earn $56,313/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $22,313/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $25,027 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $100,108 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $56,313/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$22,313/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 53.3% |
| 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 | $24,510/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $26,181/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $23,558/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,704/yr |
| $110,001+ | $29,047/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $52,733 | $25,000 |
| Architecture. | Master | $48,198 | |
| Human Services, General. | Bachelor | $30,554 | $28,345 |
| Architecture. | Bachelor | $26,933 | $26,442 |
The Risk Factor
53.3% of students at Judson 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
Judson University delivers weak financial returns that make it hard to recommend for most students. Your median earnings of $56,313 after ten years barely justify the $25,027 annual net price, especially when nearly half of students don't graduate.
Business Administration offers the strongest earning potential at $52,733, though this still represents modest returns given your investment. Architecture programs show concerning inconsistency, with one track earning $48,198 and another just $26,933 despite similar debt loads around $26,000. Human Services graduates face particularly poor outcomes, earning just $30,554 while carrying $28,345 in debt.
The 53% graduation rate poses the biggest financial risk at Judson. You face nearly even odds of completing your degree, making this a costly gamble. The 74% retention rate suggests many students recognize the value problem early and transfer elsewhere.
Judson works financially only if you receive substantial merit aid or qualify for significant need-based assistance. The relatively low percentage receiving aid (40%) suggests financial support may be limited. You should have a clear backup plan and consider starting at a community college to reduce overall costs.
Students passionate about Christian education might justify the premium, but purely financial calculations favor other options. If you're committed to private Christian higher education, compare Judson's outcomes carefully against similar institutions with stronger graduation rates and earning potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Judson University worth the cost for most students?
With 10-year earnings of $56,313 and a net price of $25,027 annually, Judson provides modest returns that may not justify the cost for many students. The 53% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't complete their degree, significantly worsening the investment.
Which programs at Judson University have the best ROI?
Business Administration offers the strongest return with median earnings of $52,733, while Architecture graduates earn $48,198. Human Services graduates earn only $30,554, making it a poor financial choice given the school's high costs.
How much debt do Judson University graduates typically have?
The median debt load is $25,000, which is manageable compared to many private schools. However, with the low graduation rate and modest earning potential, even this debt level poses risks for students who don't complete their programs.
Does Judson University provide good financial aid to offset costs?
The net price of $25,027 suggests decent financial aid for a private university, but the overall value proposition remains weak. Students should compare this cost against state schools or community colleges that offer similar programs with better job placement rates.