At $19,968/yr net price, Southern Wesleyan University graduates earn $47,756/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $13,756/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,968 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $79,872 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $47,756/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$13,756/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 52.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,936/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,234/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,474/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,436/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,758/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $57,318 | $31,000 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $53,045 | $31,566 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $46,556 | $30,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $44,021 | $18,425 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $42,682 | $27,333 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $33,138 | |
| Human Services, General. | Bachelor | $30,771 | $27,041 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $28,598 | |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $24,035 | |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $18,309 |
The Risk Factor
52.0% of students at Southern Wesleyan 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 Wesleyan University delivers a mixed financial return that depends heavily on your major choice and career goals. The school's net price of roughly $20,000 annually positions it in the affordable range for private education, though the 52% graduation rate means nearly half of students never see any return on their investment.
Human Resources Management stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $57,318 annually against $31,000 in debt. Educational Administration also performs well at $53,045, though this typically requires additional graduate school investment. Business Administration shows split results across different tracks, with some graduates earning $46,556 and others just $42,682 despite similar debt loads.
Teacher Education presents the most debt-friendly option at $18,425 in borrowing, but the $44,021 salary reflects the challenging economics of education careers in South Carolina. This creates a decent debt-to-income ratio but limited long-term earning potential.
The school works best for students targeting specific professional fields like HR or business management who can complete their degree and enter the regional job market quickly. The 65% retention rate suggests academic support challenges that could extend your time to graduation and increase costs.
Avoid Southern Wesleyan if you need extensive academic support, plan to pursue low-paying majors not listed among the top performers, or require a high-prestige credential for your career goals. The relatively low percentage of students receiving aid suggests limited financial assistance beyond federal programs, making this school most suitable for families who can manage the costs without significant borrowing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southern Wesleyan University worth the cost?
Southern Wesleyan University graduates earn $47,756 after 10 years, which is below average for the $26,000 median debt students carry. The 52% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish their degree.
What are the best paying majors at Southern Wesleyan University?
Human Resources Management leads earnings at $57,318, followed by Educational Administration at $53,045. Teacher education programs pay around $44,000, which may struggle to justify the debt load.
How much debt do Southern Wesleyan University students graduate with?
The median debt is $26,000, which creates payment challenges given that most graduates earn under $48,000. Business majors see varying returns, with some programs paying $46,000 and others just $42,000.
Does Southern Wesleyan University have good financial aid?
The net price of $19,968 per year is reasonable for a private school, but the relatively low post-graduation earnings make debt repayment difficult for many students.