At $19,692/yr net price, Southwestern Christian University graduates earn $40,391/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,391/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,692 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $78,768 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,391/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,391/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 12.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 12.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,715 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,702/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,136/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,330/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,104/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,819/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Bachelor | $47,260 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $36,668 | $32,563 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $33,993 | |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $23,649 | $19,229 |
The Risk Factor
12.7% of students at Southwestern Christian 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 Christian University hands you a weak financial return, and the numbers behind it are hard to ignore. A 12.7% graduation rate and a 50% retention rate mean the biggest risk here isn't your debt load, it's the strong chance you leave without a degree at all. Half of first-year students don't come back for year two, and only one in eight finishes. That single fact should shape every decision you make about this school.
If you do graduate, your earnings depend heavily on your major. Human Development and Family Studies is the clear winner, paying about $47,000 ten years out, and it's the one program that clears the school's median. Business Administration pays less at roughly $37,000, but it carries the highest debt on the list, over $32,000, so the math there is worse than it looks. Psychology lands in the low $30,000s. Health and Physical Education is the program to avoid on money alone, paying under $24,000, which barely beats what you'd earn without any degree.
The net price tiers work backward from what you'd expect. Families earning under $48,000 actually pay less than middle and upper-income families, who face bills above $24,000 a year. If your family earns between $75,000 and $110,000, you pay the most, and you should weigh that against the graduation odds carefully.
This school fits you if you're committed to Human Development or Family Studies, plan to finish no matter what, and value the Christian mission enough to accept modest earnings. If you're chasing a strong salary or you're unsure you'll stick through four years, the retention and completion numbers say look elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southwestern Christian University worth the cost for career earnings?
With 10-year post-graduation earnings of $40,391 annually and a net cost of nearly $20,000 per year, Southwestern Christian University shows below-average return on investment. Most graduates earn less than $45,000 a decade after finishing, which may not justify the total cost of attendance.
What are the best paying majors at Southwestern Christian University?
Human Development and Family Studies graduates earn the highest at $47,260 annually, while Business Administration majors average $36,668. Health and Physical Education graduates earn just $23,649, significantly below the school average.
How much student debt do Southwestern Christian University graduates have?
The median debt load is $20,715, which is manageable compared to many private schools. However, with the low graduation rate of 12.7%, many students may accumulate debt without completing their degree.
Should I be concerned about Southwestern Christian University's graduation rate?
Yes, the 12.7% graduation rate is extremely low and represents a major risk. Only about 1 in 8 students who enroll actually graduate, meaning most students leave with debt but no degree to show for it.