At $24,334/yr net price, Southern Adventist University graduates earn $53,723/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $19,723/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $24,334 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $97,336 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $53,723/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$19,723/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 51.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,100/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $20,914/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $23,907/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $27,508/yr |
| $110,001+ | $29,508/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. | Master | $92,277 | $50,978 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $53,579 | $27,000 |
| Social Work. | Master | $38,829 | $30,750 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $34,530 | |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Bachelor | $32,925 |
The Risk Factor
51.4% of students at Southern Adventist 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
Southern Adventist University offers mixed financial returns with significant variation between programs. Your choice of major will largely determine whether this $24,334 annual investment pays off.
The nursing programs provide the strongest ROI, with graduates earning up to $92,277 annually. Even with higher debt loads around $51,000, these programs justify their costs in Tennessee's growing healthcare market. The lower-earning nursing track still delivers solid returns at $53,579 with more manageable $27,000 debt.
Business and ministry programs present weaker financial prospects. Business graduates earn just $34,530, while theology majors average $32,925. These earnings barely exceed what many high school graduates achieve, making the four-year investment questionable from a purely financial standpoint.
The 51% graduation rate creates substantial financial risk. Nearly half of students who start never finish, yet still carry debt without the degree needed for higher earnings. The $24,500 median debt figure only reflects successful graduates.
This school works financially if you pursue nursing or enter with strong religious conviction that makes ministry earnings acceptable. The Seventh-day Adventist affiliation may provide networking advantages within that community. However, you should look elsewhere if you want business training or career flexibility, as the limited program options and modest regional job market constrain earning potential.
Only 31% of students receive financial aid, suggesting merit opportunities may be limited. The relatively high net price for a regional private college makes careful program selection critical to justify costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southern Adventist University worth the money?
Southern Adventist University's value depends heavily on your major. Nursing graduates earn around $92,000 annually, making the $24,334 yearly cost worthwhile, but other programs like theology ($32,925) and business ($34,530) show weaker returns on investment.
What is the return on investment for Southern Adventist University graduates?
Southern Adventist University graduates earn a median of $53,723 ten years after graduation with typical debt of $24,500. The nursing program offers strong ROI, while liberal arts and ministry programs struggle to justify costs with lower starting salaries.
Does Southern Adventist University provide good financial aid?
Southern Adventist University's net price of $24,334 represents the average cost after financial aid. With a 51% graduation rate, nearly half of students don't complete their degrees, making the financial risk significant for many families.
Which Southern Adventist University programs are worth the cost?
Nursing programs at Southern Adventist University deliver solid returns with graduates earning over $90,000 annually. Other programs like social work ($38,829), business ($34,530), and theology ($32,925) offer limited financial benefits relative to the investment.