At $19,655/yr net price, Southwestern Assemblies of God University graduates earn $46,238/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $12,238/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,655 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $78,620 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $46,238/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$12,238/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 35.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,725 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $16,990/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,898/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,915/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,796/yr |
| $110,001+ | $22,351/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education, General. | Master | $42,682 | |
| Education, General. | Bachelor | $37,928 | $26,500 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $35,060 | $25,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $26,000 |
| Religious Education. | Bachelor | $29,685 | |
| Bible/Biblical Studies. | Bachelor | $29,413 | $29,618 |
| Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries. | Bachelor | $25,967 | $24,750 |
The Risk Factor
35.5% of students at Southwestern Assemblies of God University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Southwestern Assemblies of God University delivers weak financial returns with a median salary of $46,238 that barely justifies its $19,655 annual cost. The 35% graduation rate means two-thirds of students never finish their degrees, making this a high-risk investment for most families.
Education majors fare best with earnings around $42,682, though even this top-performing program generates modest returns. Business and liberal arts graduates earn in the low-to-mid $30,000s, which struggles to support the typical $24,725 debt load. Religious education majors face particularly challenging prospects at under $30,000 annually.
The low graduation rate represents the biggest financial risk here. If you don't complete your degree, you'll carry debt without the credential needed to access better-paying jobs. The 81% retention rate suggests many students realize the poor value proposition after their first year.
This school makes financial sense only for deeply committed education majors who plan to teach in Texas, where the regional job market aligns with the programs offered. Students pursuing ministry careers may accept the lower Religious Education earnings for personal reasons, but should understand the financial trade-offs clearly.
With nearly half of students receiving financial aid, merit scholarships may be available to reduce your out-of-pocket costs. However, the fundamental math remains challenging regardless of aid levels. Unless you have strong personal or religious reasons for attending, you can likely find better financial returns at Texas public universities or community colleges with transfer pathways.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southwestern Assemblies of God University worth the cost?
With graduates earning $46,238 ten years after enrollment and carrying $24,725 in median debt, the financial return is modest. The low 35.5% graduation rate raises concerns about whether most students complete their degree.
What are the highest paying majors at Southwestern Assemblies of God University?
Education majors earn around $42,682, making it the top-paying program at SAGU. Business and liberal arts graduates earn significantly less at $33,993 and $35,060 respectively.
How much debt do Southwestern Assemblies of God University students typically graduate with?
The median debt is $24,725, which is manageable given the $46,238 average earnings ten years out. However, this assumes students actually graduate, which only 35.5% do.
Does Southwestern Assemblies of God University provide good financial aid?
The net price of $19,655 per year is reasonable for a private university. Given the school's 85.65% acceptance rate and focus on faith-based education, aid appears accessible for students who qualify.