At $23,863/yr net price, Midway University graduates earn $44,246/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,246/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,863 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $95,452 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,246/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,246/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 9.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 46.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,301 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $22,513/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,767/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,880/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $27,318/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,810/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. | Bachelor | $66,244 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $52,385 | $18,750 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $48,432 | $26,478 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $45,435 | $19,499 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Bachelor | $39,369 | $19,291 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $33,993 | |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Bachelor | $32,925 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $28,236 | $23,240 |
| Agricultural and Domestic Animal Services. | Bachelor | $21,052 | $26,966 |
The Risk Factor
46.4% of students at Midway 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
Midway University delivers below-average returns for most students, with median earnings of $44,246 after ten years falling short of what you need to comfortably repay typical college debt. The school's 46% graduation rate means more than half of students never finish their degrees, making the financial risk substantial.
Nursing programs stand out as the clear financial winners, with registered nurses earning $66,244 annually and carrying manageable debt loads around $18,750. Business administration also shows decent returns at $48,432, though debt levels climb higher. Health administration graduates earn just $39,369 despite similar debt burdens, making this program a poor financial choice.
The biggest red flag is the low graduation rate combined with a 69% retention rate, suggesting many students struggle academically and financially after their first year. If you transfer or drop out, you face debt without a degree to show for it.
This school makes financial sense if you plan to study nursing and can complete your program. The rural Kentucky location keeps costs reasonable, and nursing jobs remain plentiful in the region. For other majors, you face significant risk of poor outcomes given the weak graduation rates and limited earning potential.
Skip Midway University unless you have a clear path to nursing school admission and strong academic preparation. Students considering business or other programs will find better ROI at Kentucky's public universities, which offer similar earning potential at lower costs with higher graduation rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Midway University worth the cost compared to other schools?
Midway University's ROI is below average, with graduates earning $44,246 ten years after enrollment while paying $23,863 annually. The 46% graduation rate means over half of students don't finish their degree.
What are the best paying majors at Midway University?
Nursing programs at Midway University offer the strongest earning potential, with some graduates making over $66,000. Business majors earn around $45,000-$48,000, which is closer to the school average.
How much student debt do Midway University graduates have?
Midway University graduates carry a median debt of $21,301, which is manageable given typical starting salaries. However, this assumes you actually graduate - nearly 54% of students don't complete their degree.
Should I choose Midway University if I want to study nursing?
Midway University's nursing programs produce graduates earning $52,000-$66,000, making it one of the few majors where the investment pays off. For other fields, you'll likely find better value elsewhere.