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 gives you a mixed financial return. You pay $25,027 a year, and ten years out the median graduate earns $56,313. Your median debt of $25,000 matches one year of net price, which is manageable if you finish. The catch is the 53% graduation rate and 74% retention: one in four freshmen leaves, and one in two students never crosses the finish line. Debt without a degree is the worst outcome here, and the odds of it are real.
Your major decides everything at Judson. Business Administration graduates earn $52,733, close to the school-wide median and enough to pay down that $25,000 debt over time. Human Services tells a different story: $30,554 in earnings against $28,345 in debt means you graduate owing nearly a full year of income. Architecture is worse on paper, with $26,933 in earnings against $26,442 in debt, a five-year professional program that pays like an entry-level job at the ten-year mark. If you enroll in Human Services or Architecture here, go in knowing the payoff is thin.
The net price tiers hold a surprise. Families earning over $110,000 pay the most at $29,047, but families earning under $30,000 pay $24,510, barely less than middle-income families in the $48,000 to $75,000 range, who pay $23,558. Aid at Judson does not scale steeply with need, so a low-income family gets little price break here compared to what you might find elsewhere.
Judson fits you if you want a business degree, can commit to finishing all four years, and value what a private Christian campus in the Chicago suburbs offers beyond the numbers. Look elsewhere if you are set on Human Services or Architecture, or if a low family income means you need aid that actually tracks your ability to pay.
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.