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's numbers point to a weak financial return. You pay about $25,785 a year to attend, but the median graduate earns just $38,008 a decade after enrolling. That gap alone should give you pause, and it gets worse when you factor in the 30% graduation rate. Most people who start here don't finish, and a degree you don't complete still leaves you with debt.
The programs split sharply. If you graduate in clinical/medical laboratory science, business, or computer and information sciences, you land above $51,000 and clear the school's median by a wide margin. Those three are the reason to consider Sullivan at all. Human resources and liberal arts trail well behind, and the liberal arts payoff barely tops $42,000 against the same tuition bill.
Watch the debt on the strongest programs. Business and computer science graduates carry $27,750 in median debt, more than the school-wide $20,000 figure. You're borrowing more to enter the fields that actually pay, so the return depends on finishing and getting hired in Louisville's market.
The net price tiers are the biggest red flag for families. Lower-income families under $30k pay less, around $24,711, but everyone earning above that pays over $30,000 a year. Sullivan charges middle- and upper-income families more, not less, and the price barely moves once you cross $30k in income. There's no meaningful break as you climb the income ladder.
Sullivan makes financial sense only if you enroll in lab science, business, or computer science, and you're confident you'll graduate. If you're drawn to the liberal arts track, or you're a middle-income family facing the full $30,000-plus price, look elsewhere. The math here rewards a narrow group and penalizes everyone else.
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.