At $17,838/yr net price, Southern Nazarene University graduates earn $54,951/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $20,951/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $17,838 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $71,352 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,951/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$20,951/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 48.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,900 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,195/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,470/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,579/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,086/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,765/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 | $58,673 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $58,092 | $38,939 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $57,318 | $41,000 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $53,537 | $18,750 |
| Education, General. | Master | $50,717 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $49,787 | $29,025 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $48,432 | $20,402 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $23,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $36,992 | |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $35,714 |
The Risk Factor
48.8% of students at Southern Nazarene 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 Nazarene University delivers mixed financial returns, with nursing and business programs offering solid earning potential while education majors face significant income limitations. The $17,838 net price positions it competitively among private colleges, but a 48.8% graduation rate creates substantial risk that you won't complete your degree.
Nursing graduates earn $58,673 annually with manageable $27,000 debt loads, making this program your strongest financial bet. Business administration also pays off well at $58,092, though the $38,939 average debt requires careful borrowing decisions. Health administration offers similar earnings but carries $41,000 in debt, weakening the return. Education majors face the toughest financial outlook with $50,717 earnings that barely justify the investment.
Your biggest financial risk is the graduation rate. Nearly half of students never finish, leaving them with debt but no degree. The 91.67% retention rate suggests most students who struggle do so after their first year, often due to academic or financial pressures.
This school works financially if you're pursuing nursing or business and can realistically handle the academic demands. Oklahoma's lower cost of living helps stretch your post-graduation income further than in expensive metros. However, education majors should consider public universities where lower costs better match teaching salaries.
With 45% of students receiving aid, merit scholarships appear limited. Focus on completing your degree quickly to minimize total costs, and avoid excessive borrowing beyond the median $21,900 debt level. If you're uncertain about finishing college or considering lower-earning majors, cheaper alternatives will serve you better financially.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southern Nazarene University worth the cost?
Southern Nazarene University's value depends heavily on your major. Nursing and business programs show decent returns with graduates earning $58,000+, but the 48.8% graduation rate means many students pay tuition without finishing their degree.
What is the ROI for Southern Nazarene University graduates?
Southern Nazarene University graduates earn a median of $54,951 ten years after enrollment, which is reasonable given the $17,838 annual net price. However, nearly half of students don't graduate, making completion risk a major factor in the school's overall value.
How much debt do Southern Nazarene University students typically have?
Southern Nazarene University graduates carry a median debt of $21,900, which is manageable for nursing and business majors who earn $58,000+ starting out. Education majors earning around $50,700 may find loan payments more challenging.
Which programs at Southern Nazarene University have the best job prospects?
Nursing programs at Southern Nazarene University offer the strongest returns, with graduates earning around $58,673. Business administration and healthcare administration also show solid earning potential above $57,000.