At $21,812/yr net price, Mount Vernon Nazarene University graduates earn $49,555/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $15,555/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,812 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $87,248 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $49,555/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$15,555/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 63.6% |
| 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 | $17,598/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,666/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,173/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,602/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,244/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $61,516 | $28,852 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $56,210 | $23,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $46,478 | $23,218 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $38,829 | $29,334 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $35,416 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $34,847 | |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $34,847 | $25,000 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Bachelor | $33,993 | |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $32,569 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $30,228 | $25,559 |
The Risk Factor
63.6% of students at Mount Vernon Nazarene University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 36% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Mount Vernon Nazarene University delivers mixed financial returns with significant variation across programs. Your career outcome depends heavily on your major choice at this small Ohio Christian university.
Business Administration and Nursing graduates see the strongest returns, with business majors earning $61,516 annually against $28,852 in debt. Nursing graduates earn $56,210 with lower debt at $23,000, making it the best financial bet. These programs justify the $21,812 annual net price through solid regional job prospects in central Ohio.
Education and Criminal Justice majors face tougher financial prospects. Special Education graduates earn $38,829 while carrying $29,334 in debt, creating a challenging debt-to-income ratio. Criminal Justice majors earn just $35,416, making their investment questionable given Ohio's competitive law enforcement market.
The school's 63.6% graduation rate creates financial risk. If you don't complete your degree, you face debt without the earnings boost. The 79.86% retention rate suggests many students struggle with fit or finances after freshman year.
MVNU works financially for nursing and business students who value the Christian campus environment and can complete their degrees. You should look elsewhere if you're considering education or criminal justice, where better ROI options exist at Ohio public universities.
With only 28.93% of students receiving aid, merit scholarships appear limited. Your best cost strategy involves choosing high-earning majors and graduating on time. The relatively low median debt of $25,000 helps, but only if your chosen field delivers sufficient earnings to service it comfortably.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mount Vernon Nazarene University worth the cost?
Mount Vernon Nazarene University's graduates earn $49,555 after 10 years, which is below average for a private college costing $21,812 annually. The return on investment is weak unless you pursue business or nursing programs that show higher earning potential.
What are the best paying majors at Mount Vernon Nazarene University?
Business administration graduates earn around $61,516 and nursing graduates earn $56,210, making these the only programs that justify the cost. Education and criminal justice graduates earn significantly less at $38,829 and $35,416 respectively.
How much student debt do Mount Vernon Nazarene University graduates have?
The median debt is $25,000, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. However, with lower-than-average graduate earnings, loan repayment may still be challenging for graduates in lower-paying fields.
Does Mount Vernon Nazarene University have good financial aid?
The net price of $21,812 suggests decent financial aid for a private college, but 37% of students don't graduate within six years. The high acceptance rate of 85% means the school may accept students who struggle academically or financially.