At $30,209/yr net price, Southeastern University graduates earn $46,744/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $12,744/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $30,209 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $120,836 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $46,744/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$12,744/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 9.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 43.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $28,140/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $28,687/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $29,297/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $31,655/yr |
| $110,001+ | $31,797/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $52,107 | $33,486 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $45,696 | $30,201 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $40,485 | |
| Human Services, General. | Master | $39,009 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $38,289 | $28,411 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $38,289 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $37,208 | $26,500 |
| Human Services, General. | Bachelor | $37,208 | $19,812 |
| Theology and Religious Vocations, Other. | Master | $36,490 | |
| Theology and Religious Vocations, Other. | Bachelor | $32,925 |
The Risk Factor
43.3% of students at Southeastern 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
Southeastern University delivers weak financial returns that struggle to justify its $30,209 annual price tag. With median earnings of $46,744 ten years after graduation, you're looking at a payback period that stretches well beyond what most families can comfortably handle.
Educational Administration stands out as the only program with solid earning potential at $52,107, though it comes with the highest debt load at $33,486. Business Administration offers moderate returns at $45,696 with more manageable debt, making it your best bet for balancing earnings and borrowing. Teaching programs pay poorly at $38,289 despite requiring significant debt, creating a particularly challenging financial equation for education majors.
The 43% graduation rate creates serious financial risk. More than half of students who start here never finish, meaning they face loan payments without the degree needed to earn higher salaries. The low 22% financial aid rate suggests limited grant opportunities, forcing most families to pay full freight or borrow heavily.
This school works financially only if you're targeting Educational Administration or Business Administration and can afford the full cost without excessive borrowing. Students interested in teaching or human services should look elsewhere, as the earnings simply don't support the debt load. The retention rate of 72% indicates many students transfer out, potentially losing credits and extending time to degree.
Unless you have specific ties to the Lakeland area job market or substantial family financial resources, you'll find better ROI at Florida's public universities or private schools with stronger financial aid programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southeastern University worth the cost?
Southeastern University's $30,209 annual net price produces median earnings of $46,744 ten years after graduation, which is below average for college graduates. The 43% graduation rate means most students don't finish their degree.
What are the best paying programs at Southeastern University?
Educational Administration leads at $52,107 in median earnings, followed by Business Administration at $45,696. Most other programs, including teaching and human services, produce earnings under $40,000.
How much debt do Southeastern University graduates have?
The median debt load is $21,500, which is manageable compared to the national average. However, with starting salaries often under $40,000 in popular programs, loan payments may still strain budgets.
Does Southeastern University have good job outcomes?
Job outcomes are mixed, with the low 43% graduation rate being a major concern. Graduates who do finish and enter education or business administration fields see better returns than those in human services or teaching.