At $17,185/yr net price, Siena Heights University graduates earn $57,529/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $23,529/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $17,185 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $68,740 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $57,529/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$23,529/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 51.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $16,529/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,075/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,350/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,918/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,204/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 | $64,990 | $18,334 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $62,012 | $17,187 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $60,771 | $33,876 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $55,338 | $19,286 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $45,198 | $15,625 |
| Education, General. | Master | $42,682 | $53,958 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $14,062 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $17,507 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | Bachelor | $37,208 | $16,493 |
| Education, General. | Bachelor | $37,208 |
The Risk Factor
51.1% of students at Siena Heights 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
Siena Heights University delivers solid financial returns for career-focused programs, but your major choice makes all the difference. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $64,990 annually while carrying manageable debt of $18,334. Allied health programs also perform well, generating $62,012 in median earnings with even lower debt loads at $17,187.
Business administration graduates face a different reality. While they earn $60,771 annually, their debt burden jumps to $33,876, creating a less favorable debt-to-income ratio that could strain your budget for years. Criminal justice offers middle-ground returns at $55,338 with reasonable debt of $19,286.
The university's 51% graduation rate poses the biggest financial risk. Nearly half of students leave without a degree but potentially with debt. The 72% retention rate suggests many departures happen after freshman year, limiting your sunk costs if you transfer early.
Siena Heights works best financially if you're pursuing nursing or allied health careers in Michigan's healthcare-heavy job market. The relatively low net price of $17,185 makes it accessible, though only 31% of students receive aid, suggesting limited need-based assistance.
Skip this school if you're undecided on your major or considering lower-earning fields like general health sciences, where graduates earn just $45,198. The completion risk is too high without a clear career path that justifies the investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Siena Heights University worth the cost?
Siena Heights University offers decent value for nursing and healthcare students, with graduates earning $62,000-$65,000 annually. However, the 51% graduation rate means half of students don't finish, which significantly hurts ROI for those who leave with debt but no degree.
What programs at Siena Heights University have the best ROI?
Nursing programs at Siena Heights University provide the strongest return, with graduates earning around $65,000 per year. Business and criminal justice programs offer more modest returns at $55,000-$61,000 annually, while general health sciences graduates earn just $45,000.
How much debt do Siena Heights University graduates typically have?
Siena Heights University graduates leave with a median debt of $18,750, which is relatively manageable compared to many private colleges. This debt level is reasonable for nursing graduates but may be harder to manage for lower-paying programs like general health sciences.
Should I attend Siena Heights University if I'm not studying nursing?
Non-nursing programs at Siena Heights University show weaker ROI, especially given the low 51% graduation rate. If you're considering business or criminal justice, compare costs carefully with state universities that may offer similar outcomes at lower prices.