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 gives you a mixed financial picture that leans on one program to carry it. At just under $21,000 a year in net price and a median debt of $27,000, you land near median earnings of $55,045 ten years out. That works if you pick the right major and finish, but a 45.9% graduation rate means fewer than half of you cross the finish line, and dropping out with debt is the biggest risk here.
Nursing is the clear payoff. The bachelor's in registered nursing pulls in nearly $65,000, well above the school-wide median, and Lincoln and the surrounding Nebraska hospital market keep demand for nurses steady. If you enroll intending to nurse, the numbers line up in your favor even at full debt load.
Business administration is the cautionary tale. At under $42,000, it pays about $23,000 a year less than nursing while carrying the same tuition. Choosing business over nursing here costs you real money over a career, and that gap should shape your decision before you commit.
The net price tiers hold a surprise. If your family earns $48,000 to $75,000, you pay the least at roughly $16,300 a year. Once you cross $75,000, the price jumps to $22,600 and climbs past $25,800 above $110,000. So middle-income families get the best deal, and higher earners pay close to sticker.
This school fits you if you want nursing and can stay enrolled to graduate. Look elsewhere if you're leaning toward business or unsure you'll finish, since the low graduation rate turns that $27,000 debt into a gamble without a degree to back it.
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.