At $26,536/yr net price, Westminster University graduates earn $66,215/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $32,215/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $26,536 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $106,144 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $66,215/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$32,215/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 69.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,947/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,820/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,345/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $26,189/yr |
| $110,001+ | $30,467/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $125,866 | $60,328 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $80,521 | $47,399 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Master | $71,643 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $69,338 | |
| Community Organization and Advocacy. | Master | $61,020 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $59,846 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $57,995 | $21,432 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $55,547 | $18,071 |
| Public Health. | Master | $53,358 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $46,087 | $22,000 |
The Risk Factor
69.4% of students at Westminster University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 31% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Westminster University delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $125,866 annually despite carrying $60,328 in debt. Business administration also provides solid returns at $80,521 yearly earnings with $47,399 in debt.
Computer science graduates earn $69,338 annually, which lags behind national averages for the field. Communication and media studies majors face tougher financial prospects despite decent earnings of $71,643, as these fields typically offer fewer high-paying opportunities in Salt Lake City's job market.
The school's 69% graduation rate creates significant risk for your investment. Nearly one in three students leave without completing their degree, making the $26,536 annual cost particularly dangerous if you struggle academically. The 76% retention rate suggests many students encounter problems early in their college experience.
Only 25% of students receive financial aid, indicating limited need-based assistance. This makes Westminster a poor fit if you need substantial aid to afford college. The relatively low median debt of $22,250 suggests those who do graduate manage their borrowing well.
Westminster works best financially if you plan to study nursing or business and can afford the full cost without heavy borrowing. The Salt Lake City location provides decent job opportunities in healthcare and business sectors. You should look elsewhere if you need significant financial aid, want to study computer science at a competitive level, or have concerns about completing your degree on time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Westminster University worth the cost?
Westminster University offers mixed value depending on your major. Nursing programs provide strong returns with graduates earning $125,866 annually, but other programs like computer science underperform compared to national averages. With a net price of $26,536 and median debt of $22,250, the investment makes sense primarily for nursing students.
What are the highest paying majors at Westminster University?
Registered Nursing leads with $125,866 in annual earnings, followed by Business Administration at $80,521. Communication and Media Studies graduates earn $71,643, while Computer Science majors earn $69,338, which is below typical CS salaries at other schools.
How much debt do Westminster University graduates have?
Westminster University graduates carry a median debt of $22,250, which is manageable compared to many private schools. However, this debt load is only reasonable if you pursue high-earning programs like nursing or business.
Does Westminster University have good job prospects after graduation?
Job prospects vary significantly by program at Westminster University. Nursing graduates see strong employment outcomes with high starting salaries, but the 69% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their degrees. Overall 10-year earnings of $66,215 are modest for the tuition cost.