At $23,169/yr net price, Morningside University graduates earn $55,494/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $21,494/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,169 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $92,676 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $55,494/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$21,494/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 52.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,028 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $20,667/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $21,418/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,086/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,653/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,258/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 | $58,479 | $27,726 |
| Education, Other. | Master | $55,806 | $7,400 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $52,843 | $5,639 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $40,728 | $25,875 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $40,179 | $28,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $39,523 | $27,000 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $38,906 | $26,478 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $28,019 | |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $27,669 | |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $25,194 |
The Risk Factor
52.8% of students at Morningside 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
Morningside University delivers a weak return on investment, with median earnings of $55,494 falling short of what you'd expect from a $23,169 annual net price and $26,028 in typical debt.
Nursing stands out as the only financially solid choice, generating $58,479 in median earnings despite carrying the highest debt load at $27,726. The program's earnings justify the investment in Iowa's healthcare market. Education majors face a troubling split: "Education, Other" graduates earn $55,806 with just $7,400 in debt, while traditional teacher preparation programs leave you with $40,000-range salaries and $25,000-28,000 in debt.
The school's 53% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. Nearly half of students who start at Morningside never finish, meaning you could accumulate debt without earning a degree. The 69% retention rate signals that many students recognize the poor value proposition and transfer elsewhere after freshman year.
This school works financially if you're pursuing nursing or can access the low-debt education track. Everyone else should look elsewhere. The combination of high costs, modest earnings, and poor completion rates makes Morningside a risky bet for most career paths.
With only 32% of students receiving financial aid, merit scholarship opportunities appear limited. Your best strategy is securing significant aid upfront or choosing a different school entirely, since the base economics don't work in your favor at Morningside's price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Morningside University worth the cost?
Morningside University's return on investment varies significantly by program. Nursing graduates earn around $58,479 annually, which justifies the $23,169 yearly cost, but education majors starting at $40,000-$55,000 face a tougher financial picture with $26,028 in typical debt.
What are the best paying majors at Morningside University?
Nursing programs offer the strongest earning potential at Morningside University, with graduates earning $58,479 annually. Education majors earn considerably less, ranging from $40,179 to $55,806 depending on specialization.
How much debt do Morningside University graduates typically have?
Morningside University graduates carry a median debt of $26,028. With 10-year earnings averaging $55,494, most graduates can manage this debt load, though education majors may struggle more than nursing graduates.
What is Morningside University's graduation rate and job prospects?
Only 52.80% of students graduate from Morningside University, which is below average for four-year colleges. The school's 70% acceptance rate suggests less selective admissions, and job prospects depend heavily on choosing high-demand programs like nursing.