At $21,082/yr net price, Southwest Baptist University graduates earn $43,112/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,112/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,082 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $84,328 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,112/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,112/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 9.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 51.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,957 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $22,672/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,056/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,785/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,889/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,292/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $68,931 | $115,500 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $61,516 | |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $59,948 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $53,454 | $22,308 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $49,631 | $18,600 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $45,794 | $22,238 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $44,942 | $14,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $38,289 | |
| Education, General. | Master | $36,776 | $13,487 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $35,060 |
The Risk Factor
51.2% of students at Southwest Baptist 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
Southwest Baptist University delivers mixed financial returns, with strong outcomes for healthcare and STEM majors but concerning debt levels in some programs. Your career path determines whether this Missouri school makes financial sense.
The rehabilitation and therapeutic professions program commands the highest earnings at $68,931 annually, but graduates carry crushing debt loads of $115,500. This debt-to-income ratio creates serious repayment challenges that could strain your finances for decades. Computer science and mathematics majors fare much better, earning over $59,000 with manageable debt levels.
Nursing programs offer solid middle-ground returns around $50,000 in earnings with reasonable debt under $23,000. These programs align well with Missouri's healthcare job market and provide clear career pathways.
The 51% graduation rate signals academic struggles for many students, meaning you risk accumulating debt without earning a degree. Combined with a 66% retention rate, these numbers suggest the school may not provide adequate support for student success.
You should consider Southwest Baptist if you plan to study computer science, mathematics, or nursing and can handle the academic demands. The school works best for students who qualify for significant financial aid or have family support to minimize borrowing.
Avoid this school if you're interested in the rehabilitation program unless you have substantial financial resources or guaranteed high-paying job prospects. Students uncertain about their major or those needing extensive academic support should look elsewhere, as the graduation rates indicate many students struggle to complete their degrees here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southwest Baptist University worth the cost?
Southwest Baptist University's graduates earn $43,112 ten years after graduation, which is below average for the $21,082 annual net price. With only a 51% graduation rate, many students don't finish their degree, making the investment risky for average performers.
What are the best paying majors at Southwest Baptist University?
Rehabilitation and therapeutic professions graduates earn $68,931, while computer science majors make $61,516. These programs offer solid returns that justify the cost, unlike many other majors at the school.
How much student debt do Southwest Baptist University graduates have?
The median debt is $20,957, which is manageable compared to many private schools. However, with average graduate earnings of $43,112, debt payments could still strain budgets for lower-earning majors.
Does Southwest Baptist University have good job placement after graduation?
The school's 99% acceptance rate and 51% graduation rate suggest it admits many unprepared students who struggle to finish. Strong programs like rehabilitation services and computer science likely have better outcomes than the overall averages indicate.