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 presents a concerning financial picture with a graduation rate of just 12.7% and median post-graduation earnings of $40,391 annually. Your investment faces significant risk when nine out of ten students fail to complete their degrees.
Among graduates who do finish, Human Development and Family Studies offers the strongest earnings potential at $47,260 annually. Business Administration graduates earn $36,668 but carry higher debt loads of $32,563, creating a more challenging debt-to-income ratio. Psychology graduates face modest returns at $33,993, while Health and Physical Education majors earn only $23,649 despite accumulating $19,229 in debt.
The university's 50% retention rate signals academic or financial struggles that prevent half of freshmen from returning for sophomore year. This combination of low retention and abysmal graduation rates suggests systemic issues that could derail your educational investment regardless of your academic preparation.
You might consider Southwestern Christian if you're pursuing Human Development studies and have strong academic discipline to overcome the institutional challenges. The relatively modest debt load of $20,715 median makes the financial risk more manageable than at higher-debt institutions.
Avoid this university if you're considering Health and Physical Education, where graduates earn barely above minimum wage levels despite taking on debt. Psychology and Business majors should also explore alternatives with stronger graduation rates and better earnings outcomes. The low percentage of students receiving aid suggests limited financial support, making this primarily suitable for families who can afford most costs upfront.
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.