Head-to-Head Analysis
This analysis was generated using Azimuth's proprietary framework. Our data model transforms federal education data into actionable insights. Learn about founder Daniel Rogers, explore our research methodology, or see how we think about this data.
Updated January 2026 • Siloam Springs, AR & Plainview, TX
When students choose between John Brown University and Wayland Baptist University, they're comparing two private institutions with similar missions but vastly different track records. Both schools emphasize business programs and Christian values, with comparable net prices around $21,000/year.
But the completion data reveals a stark difference: John Brown graduates two-thirds of its students, while Wayland Baptist graduates fewer than one in five. This completion gap transforms what appears to be a similar investment into fundamentally different financial risks.
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$21,250
federal loans
$23,106
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$18,650
borrowed by parents
$12,820
borrowed by parents
Both universities are business-focused institutions, though with different concentrations. John Brown has a more balanced program mix: 23% Business, 16% Arts, and 5% Engineering.
Top programs include Psychology (39 graduates), Design and Applied Arts (33), and Nursing (22). Wayland Baptist concentrates heavily on business, with 39% of graduates earning business degrees.
Their largest programs include Business Administration (333 graduates), Liberal Arts (205), and Criminal Justice (75). This business emphasis at both schools creates similar career pathway expectations for those who complete their degrees.
For students prioritizing completion and degree attainment, John Brown University delivers far superior outcomes despite similar costs. Wayland Baptist offers lower net prices and strong earnings for the small fraction who graduate, making it potentially suitable for highly motivated students who thrive in less structured environments.
The data points to John Brown as the safer financial investment — with a 67% graduation rate versus 19%, most families will see better returns on their educational investment. The completion gap makes this less about academic quality and more about institutional support systems and student success infrastructure.
Key Takeaway
The numbers are close, but the best school depends on your goals, values, and career aspirations.
This comparison was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
This comparison uses Azimuth's proprietary ROI model based on U.S. Dept. of Education data. View Full Methodology.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid.
