At $27,468/yr net price, Southwestern University graduates earn $56,878/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $22,878/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $27,468 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $109,872 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $56,878/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$22,878/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 69.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,791/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $21,567/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,800/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $27,434/yr |
| $110,001+ | $33,832/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
69.3% of students at Southwestern University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 31% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Southwestern University delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. The $56,878 median earnings after ten years provide a decent return on the $27,468 annual net price, but program selection makes the difference between financial success and struggle.
Business majors earn $48,432 annually with manageable $25,024 debt loads, creating a reasonable path to loan repayment. Communication and Media Studies graduates face tougher financial prospects at $32,925 yearly earnings with slightly higher debt burdens. This $15,507 earnings gap between programs shows how your academic focus directly impacts your financial future at Southwestern.
The 69% graduation rate creates real financial risk since you need that degree to access the career outcomes justifying your investment. Nearly one in three students leave without finishing, potentially carrying debt without the credential needed for higher earnings. The 83% retention rate suggests most students who struggle do so after their first year.
Southwestern works best financially if you plan to study business and can complete your degree in four years. The relatively low percentage of students receiving aid (23%) suggests merit scholarships may be competitive, making this school most viable for families who can afford the net price without excessive borrowing.
You should look elsewhere if you want to study communication or media, where the earnings potential does not justify the cost. The $25,000 median debt figure becomes problematic when paired with lower-earning majors that struggle to generate sufficient income for comfortable loan repayment in the Texas job market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southwestern University worth the cost compared to other Texas schools?
Southwestern University graduates earn $56,878 after 10 years, which is modest for the $27,468 annual net price. Students typically graduate with $25,000 in debt, making the return on investment weaker than many public Texas universities.
What are the best paying majors at Southwestern University?
Business majors at Southwestern University earn around $48,432 after graduation, which is the highest among popular programs. Communication and Media Studies majors earn significantly less at $32,925, making program choice critical for financial outcomes.
How much debt do Southwestern University students typically have?
The median debt for Southwestern University graduates is $25,000. With starting salaries around $56,878, this creates a manageable debt-to-income ratio, though the overall ROI remains modest for a private school.
Does Southwestern University provide good financial aid to make it affordable?
The net price at Southwestern University averages $27,468 after financial aid, down from the full sticker price. However, this still represents a significant cost for the earning potential most graduates achieve.