At $20,581/yr net price, Southwestern Adventist University graduates earn $52,946/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $18,946/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,581 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $82,324 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $52,946/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$18,946/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 41.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,998 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,482/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,600/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,435/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,112/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,537/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 | $66,941 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
41.1% of students at Southwestern 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
Southwestern Adventist University delivers weak financial returns that make it difficult to justify the cost for most students. With median 10-year earnings of $52,946 against a net price of $20,581 annually, you face a concerning payback timeline compounded by a low 41% graduation rate.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $66,941 annually while carrying typical debt levels around $27,000. This program offers solid ROI and aligns with Texas healthcare demand. Other majors show significantly weaker earning potential, making program choice critical at this school.
The 41% graduation rate creates substantial financial risk. Nearly 6 in 10 students leave without degrees but often with debt, making this school particularly risky for students who struggle academically or lack strong support systems. The 70% retention rate suggests many students recognize the mismatch early.
This school works best for committed nursing students who can handle the academic demands and graduate successfully. The relatively low percentage receiving aid (39%) suggests limited financial assistance, so you need alternative funding sources or significant family support.
Avoid this school if you're unsure about your major, considering non-nursing programs, or need substantial financial aid. The combination of high costs, low graduation rates, and weak earnings outside nursing creates too much downside risk. Texas offers community college nursing pathways and state universities with stronger overall ROI that better serve most students' financial interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southwestern Adventist University worth the cost?
Southwestern Adventist University's ROI is mixed - nursing graduates earn strong salaries around $67,000, but the overall 10-year earnings of $53,000 are modest for the $20,581 annual net price. The 41% graduation rate is concerning and affects the value proposition significantly.
What programs at Southwestern Adventist University have the best ROI?
Nursing programs at Southwestern Adventist University offer the strongest return, with graduates earning around $67,000 annually. Other programs typically lead to much lower earnings, making nursing the clear standout for financial returns.
How much debt do Southwestern Adventist University graduates have?
Southwestern Adventist University graduates carry a median debt of $27,000. With overall graduate earnings averaging $53,000 after 10 years, this debt level is manageable but leaves limited room for financial flexibility.
Does Southwestern Adventist University have good financial aid?
The net price of $20,581 at Southwestern Adventist University suggests decent financial aid, bringing costs down from the full sticker price. However, nearly 60% of students don't graduate, which makes any investment risky regardless of aid levels.