At $25,785/yr net price, Sullivan University graduates earn $38,008/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,008/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $25,785 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $103,140 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,008/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,008/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 25.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 30.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $24,711/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $30,843/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $30,837/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $31,022/yr |
| $110,001+ | $31,100/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $122,388 | $228,014 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $94,408 | $136,444 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Doctoral | $93,342 | |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Master | $63,997 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $57,619 | $25,625 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $54,739 | $41,000 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $52,733 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Master | $52,107 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $52,107 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $52,107 | $27,750 |
The Risk Factor
30.2% of students at Sullivan 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
Sullivan University delivers poor financial returns for most students, with median earnings of just $38,008 ten years after graduation despite a net price of $25,785 annually. The 30% graduation rate means seven out of ten students leave without a degree, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it.
The pharmacy program stands out as the clear exception, generating $122,388 in median earnings. However, graduates carry $228,014 in debt, creating a challenging debt-to-income ratio even with strong earnings. Allied health diagnostic programs also pay well at $94,408, though the $136,444 debt load requires careful consideration. Business administration surprisingly ranks third in earnings at $93,342 with manageable debt levels.
Most other programs deliver weak returns. Information technology graduates earn $63,997, while nursing graduates earn $57,619 despite the field's strong job market in Louisville. These earnings barely justify the cost of attendance for a private institution.
You face significant financial risk at Sullivan given the low graduation rate and modest earnings across most programs. Only 11% of students receive financial aid, meaning most pay full price. If you're considering pharmacy or allied health diagnostics and can handle substantial debt loads, the programs may work. For business, nursing, or IT, you can find better value at public universities in Kentucky.
Skip Sullivan unless you're committed to pharmacy and have exhausted public options. The combination of high costs, low graduation rates, and weak earnings makes this a poor financial bet for most career goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sullivan University worth the cost?
Sullivan University's graduates earn a median of $38,008 ten years after enrollment, which is low compared to the $25,785 annual net price. Only pharmacy and allied health programs show strong returns, while most other programs struggle to justify the cost.
What are the best paying programs at Sullivan University?
Pharmacy graduates from Sullivan University earn $122,388 median salary, making it the clear standout program. Allied health diagnostic programs ($94,408) and business administration ($93,342) also offer decent returns, but other programs fall well below $65,000.
How much debt do Sullivan University graduates have?
Sullivan University graduates have a median debt of $20,000, which is relatively manageable. However, with the low overall graduate earnings of $38,008, even this moderate debt load creates financial strain for most graduates.
What is Sullivan University's graduation rate?
Sullivan University has a 30.20% graduation rate, meaning about 7 out of 10 students don't complete their degree. This high dropout rate adds significant financial risk, as students may accumulate debt without earning a credential.