At $16,286/yr net price, Shorter University graduates earn $44,604/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,604/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $16,286 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $65,144 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,604/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,604/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 37.1% |
| 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 | $14,057/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,131/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,363/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,498/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,784/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $61,516 | $27,407 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $55,512 | $25,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $48,823 | $33,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $45,249 | $27,334 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $41,937 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $40,402 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $39,585 | $20,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $36,992 | $26,284 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $33,281 | $26,500 |
| Human Services, General. | Bachelor | $31,133 | $39,668 |
The Risk Factor
37.1% of students at Shorter University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Shorter University delivers poor financial returns that should make you seriously reconsider your options. With median earnings of just $44,604 ten years after graduation and a dismal 37% graduation rate, most students never complete their programs and those who do earn below-average salaries.
Only two programs at Shorter offer solid financial prospects. Accounting graduates earn $61,516 annually with manageable debt of $27,407, making it the clear winner. Nursing also performs well at $55,512 with $25,000 in debt. Every other major leaves you financially worse off, particularly education degrees that pay just $41,937 despite requiring the same four-year investment.
The biggest financial risk at Shorter is dropping out. With only 37% of students graduating and a retention rate of 67%, you face high odds of accumulating debt without earning a degree. The $25,000 median debt load becomes devastating when paired with incomplete credentials.
Shorter makes financial sense only if you plan to study accounting or nursing and have strong academic preparation to avoid the dropout trap. Students considering business, education, or liberal arts programs should look elsewhere for better earning potential.
The school's financial aid picture offers little help, with only 37% of students receiving assistance. Merit scholarships exist but appear limited given the low aid percentage. Your best cost strategy is choosing one of the two profitable majors and completing your degree quickly to minimize total costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shorter University worth the cost?
Shorter University's low graduation rate of 37% and median earnings of $44,604 ten years after enrollment make it a risky investment for most students. The accounting and nursing programs show better returns, but other majors struggle to justify the cost.
What are the best paying majors at Shorter University?
Accounting graduates earn around $61,516 annually, while nursing graduates make about $55,512. Business administration and education majors earn significantly less, with teachers averaging just $41,937.
How much debt do Shorter University students graduate with?
Typical graduates leave with $25,000 in debt, which is manageable if you complete an accounting or nursing degree. However, with only 37% of students graduating, many accumulate debt without earning a degree.
Does Shorter University have good financial aid?
The net price of $16,286 per year is relatively affordable for a private university. However, the extremely low graduation rate means many students pay this amount for multiple years without completing their degree.