Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 36.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 33.5%
- Retention Rate
- 53.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $55,646
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 56.9%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $265/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other. | Bachelor | $61,516 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $60,523 | $37,287 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $59,169 | |
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other. | Bachelor | $54,713 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $49,840 | |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $49,270 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $49,214 | $22,584 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $49,019 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $48,432 | |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $47,260 | |
| Social Sciences, Other. | Master | $43,798 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Bachelor | $39,009 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $37,125 | |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $26,739 | $27,000 |
Outcomes Overview
Southwestern graduates earn a median of $55,646 ten years after graduation, creating a debt-to-income ratio of 45% based on the typical $25,000 debt load. Monthly loan payments of $265 consume about 5.7% of gross income, which falls within manageable ranges. The 90.4% employment rate suggests strong job placement despite the college's rural location. Many graduates enter education, social services, and business roles that align with the Methodist institution's liberal arts mission. Music program alumni often pursue teaching or performance careers. With relatively modest debt loads and solid employment outcomes, Southwestern provides an average return on investment for students seeking a close-knit college experience.