At $20,884/yr net price, Union Adventist University graduates earn $55,045/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $21,045/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,884 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $83,536 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $55,045/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$21,045/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 45.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,778/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,177/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,306/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,595/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,861/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $98,847 | $167,286 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $64,865 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $41,937 |
The Risk Factor
45.9% of students at Union Adventist University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Union Adventist University offers weak financial returns for most students, with median earnings of $55,045 ten years after graduation barely justifying the $20,884 annual net price. The 46% graduation rate means more than half of students never complete their degree, making this a risky investment for many.
Your program choice determines everything here. Allied health programs produce the highest earners at $98,847, but graduates carry crushing debt loads of $167,286 that will take decades to repay. Nursing offers the best balance with solid $64,865 earnings and manageable $27,000 debt. Business graduates earn just $41,937, making the degree financially questionable given the cost.
The low graduation rate creates serious risk that you'll accumulate debt without earning a degree. Only 24% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited institutional support for struggling families. The 80% retention rate indicates many students recognize the poor value early and transfer elsewhere.
This school works financially only if you're pursuing nursing or can afford the full cost without borrowing heavily. The strong Adventist community connections may provide networking benefits that pure earnings data misses, but you're paying premium private school prices for outcomes you can achieve more affordably elsewhere.
Skip Union Adventist unless you're committed to the nursing program or the religious environment is worth the financial premium to your family. Nebraska's public universities and community colleges offer better value for most career paths.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Union Adventist University worth the cost?
Union Adventist University's ROI depends heavily on your major, with allied health programs earning nearly $99,000 annually but business graduates averaging only $42,000. The low 46% graduation rate and $27,000 median debt create significant financial risk for students who don't complete their degree.
What are the best paying majors at Union Adventist University?
Allied health diagnostic and treatment programs lead with $98,847 average earnings, followed by nursing at $64,865. Business programs lag significantly at $41,937, making major selection critical for financial outcomes.
How much debt do Union Adventist University graduates have?
Median debt is $27,000, which is manageable for nursing and allied health graduates but creates payment challenges for business majors earning $42,000 annually. Nearly half of students don't graduate, leaving them with debt but no degree.
Does Union Adventist University have good job placement?
The school's 46% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete programs, though those who do graduate in health fields see strong earning potential. Job placement data isn't widely available, making the low completion rate a concerning indicator.