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 gives you a mixed financial return that leans weak once you look past the sticker price. Ten years out, the median graduate earns just under what a bachelor's degree is supposed to buy, and the 37% graduation rate means paying to enroll is a real gamble on whether you finish at all.
Your major decides everything here. Nursing is the one program that clearly pays off, landing you around $55,000 while carrying the same $25,000 debt load most graduates take on. Business administration earns less and comes with the heaviest debt of any program listed at $33,500, so you leave owing more for a smaller paycheck. The two teacher education tracks and criminal justice all land in the $33,000 to $40,000 range, which is thin against $26,000 or more in loans. If you enroll in anything outside nursing, run the math on your specific debt before committing.
The biggest risk is not finishing. With two-thirds retention and barely a third graduating, you could carry debt without the degree that justifies it. That combination hurts most in the lower-paying majors.
The net price tiers are unusual: families earning under $30,000 pay about $14,000, while families over $110,000 pay roughly $18,800. That $4,700 gap is smaller than at many private schools, so higher-income families get less of a break here, and lower-income families still face a $14,000 annual bill.
Shorter is a reasonable financial bet if you are set on nursing and confident you will graduate. If you are drawn to teaching, criminal justice, or business, or unsure you will finish, a lower-cost public option will likely give you better returns for the same career.
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.