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 lands in the middle. Your net price sits around $24,300 a year, and ten years out the median graduate earns $53,723. That's a modest return: the debt load of $24,500 stays close to a single year of median earnings, which keeps repayment manageable if you finish.
Finishing is the catch. Just over half of students graduate, so nearly half leave without the degree that makes the debt worth carrying. The 82% retention rate says most first-years come back, but the drop-off after that is where the financial risk lives. Debt with no diploma is the worst outcome here.
Nursing is the clear payoff. At $53,579, it earns nearly $20,000 more than business administration and theological studies, the other two bachelor's programs with reported earnings. Both of those land in the low $30,000s, which barely clears the school's own net price. If you enroll for ministry or general business expecting the pay to cover your loans quickly, plan for tight years after graduation.
The income tiers matter a lot. Under $30k, you pay about $19,100. over $110k, closer to $29,500. That's a meaningful gap, but even the lowest tier still costs nearly $20,000 a year, so this is not a cheap option for lower-income families. There's no bracket where the price drops to a bargain.
This school fits you if you're headed into nursing and committed to finishing. The earnings justify the cost there. If you're drawn to ministry or business, or you're unsure you'll graduate, look hard at cheaper alternatives before borrowing, because those programs pay too little to absorb this price tag.
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.