Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 70.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 69.3%
- Retention Rate
- 83.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $56,878
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 74.4%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $265/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $48,432 | $25,024 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $32,925 | $26,000 |
Outcomes Overview
Southwestern graduates earn a median of $56,878 ten years after graduation, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 44% with typical debt loads of $25,000. Monthly loan payments of $265 consume about 6% of graduates' income, well below problematic levels. The 92% employment rate reflects the value employers place on the liberal arts education and close mentoring relationships that define the Southwestern experience. Many graduates enter fields like education, business, and healthcare where the broad analytical skills from their humanities and sciences training prove valuable. The combination of reasonable debt burdens and solid earning potential makes Southwestern a strong return on investment for students seeking a personalized college experience.