At $29,520/yr net price, MidAmerica Nazarene University graduates earn $62,972/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $28,972/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $29,520 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $118,080 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $62,972/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$28,972/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 46.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $15,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $25,447/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $24,595/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $27,986/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $32,035/yr |
| $110,001+ | $34,162/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. | Master | $83,177 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $61,218 | $32,556 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $59,626 | $12,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $51,106 | $18,833 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $49,331 | $20,250 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $37,856 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $37,568 | $25,000 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $35,600 | $54,667 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $28,960 | |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $22,485 |
The Risk Factor
46.2% of students at MidAmerica Nazarene 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
MidAmerica Nazarene University presents a mixed financial picture with significant variation between programs. The nursing program stands out as the clear winner, producing graduates earning over $80,000 annually with manageable debt loads of just $12,500. This creates an excellent return given the Kansas City metro area's strong healthcare job market.
Business administration shows concerning debt-to-earnings ratios, with some graduates carrying $32,556 in debt for positions paying around $61,000. Other business tracks perform better with lower debt burdens, suggesting program selection within the major matters significantly. Education graduates face the weakest financial outlook, earning under $50,000 with debt exceeding $20,000.
The 46% graduation rate creates substantial financial risk since you only benefit from your investment if you actually finish. Combined with a 61% retention rate, these numbers suggest many students transfer or drop out, potentially with debt but no degree. The relatively low 28% of students receiving aid indicates limited financial assistance opportunities.
You should choose MidAmerica if you plan to pursue nursing and can access their competitive program. The school makes financial sense for Kansas City-area residents who want to stay local while entering healthcare careers. Business students should carefully evaluate program tracks and projected debt loads before enrolling.
Avoid this school if you need extensive financial aid, plan to study education, or have concerns about completing your degree. The combination of high net price, low graduation rates, and limited aid makes it a poor fit for students who might struggle academically or financially during college.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MidAmerica Nazarene University worth the cost?
MidAmerica Nazarene University's $29,520 annual net price leads to median earnings of $62,972 after 10 years, which is below average for college graduates. With a 46% graduation rate and $15,000 median debt, the value depends heavily on your chosen program.
What are the highest paying majors at MidAmerica Nazarene University?
Nursing programs at MidAmerica Nazarene University offer the best ROI, with graduates earning $59,626 to $83,177 annually. Business programs follow at $51,106 to $61,218, while education administration graduates earn around $49,331.
How much debt do MidAmerica Nazarene University graduates have?
MidAmerica Nazarene University graduates carry a median debt of $15,000, which is relatively low compared to national averages. However, nearly half of students don't graduate, which increases financial risk for those who leave without a degree.
What is the graduation rate at MidAmerica Nazarene University?
Only 46% of students graduate from MidAmerica Nazarene University within six years. This low completion rate significantly impacts the school's value proposition and increases the risk of taking on debt without earning a degree.