Anderson University provides a supportive pathway to stable careers in healthcare, education, and human services, with particularly strong outcomes in nursing where graduates earn competitive salaries in high-demand fields.
The university serves as an accessible option for first-generation and Pell-eligible students who value a close-knit Christian community while preparing for meaningful service-oriented professions.
Anderson University is a small private nonprofit institution in Indiana that focuses on preparing students for careers in healthcare, education, and human services. While the university doesn't rank among the top tier nationally for overall outcomes, it provides a supportive environment where students can develop professionally in fields that serve their communities. About 36% of students receive Pell Grants, and nearly a quarter are first-generation college students, reflecting the university's commitment to serving diverse backgrounds.
The university's strongest outcomes come through its nursing program, which graduates about 42 students annually with median earnings of $56,035 ten years after enrollment. Education programs also play a central role, with Adult and Continuing Education representing one of the largest degree programs. While overall graduate earnings of $48,899 at the ten-year mark are modest compared to research universities, they align well with the career paths most Anderson students pursue.
As a small Christian university, Anderson provides the close-knit community and mentorship that many students value, particularly those entering helping professions. The university's focus on service-oriented careers means that while earnings may not reach the levels seen at larger institutions, graduates typically find meaningful work in stable fields like nursing, education, and social services that offer long-term job security and community impact.
Anderson University's program portfolio centers on service-oriented professions, with nursing standing out as both the strongest financial performer and largest high-return program. The Adult Health Nursing program graduates about 42 students annually with median earnings of $56,035, reflecting strong demand for registered nurses and the program's solid preparation for healthcare careers. This represents Anderson's clearest pathway to strong financial outcomes and stable long-term employment.
Education programs form another core component of Anderson's mission, with Adult and Continuing Education representing one of the largest degree programs at 24 graduates annually. While earnings in education are more modest at around $38,529, these programs prepare students for stable careers in teaching and educational administration with good benefits and job security. Psychology, with 23 graduates, typically leads to entry-level positions in social services or preparation for graduate study, with early-career earnings around $26,585.
The university's program mix reflects its Christian mission and focus on preparing students for helping professions. While this concentration in service fields means that overall earnings may not match those at research universities or technical institutions, Anderson graduates typically find meaningful work in stable sectors that offer job security, benefits, and opportunities for community impact. The small program sizes allow for close faculty mentorship and practical experience that helps students succeed in their chosen fields.
Anderson University graduates earn a median of $48,899 ten years after enrollment, which reflects the university's focus on service-oriented careers in healthcare, education, and human services. While these earnings are modest compared to research universities or technical institutions, they align well with the career paths most Anderson students choose and the regional job market in Indiana. The university's outcomes vary significantly by program, with nursing graduates earning substantially more than those in education or social services fields.
The strongest financial returns come from Anderson's nursing program, which combines solid enrollment with competitive healthcare salaries. Adult Health Nursing graduates earn around $56,035 ten years out, reflecting the strong demand for registered nurses in Indiana and surrounding states. Education programs, while representing some of the university's largest enrollment, typically lead to more modest early-career earnings around $38,529, which is typical for teaching and educational administration roles. Psychology graduates, another significant program, see earnings of about $26,585, often reflecting entry-level positions in social services or preparation for graduate study.
Anderson's career outcomes reflect its mission as a Christian university focused on preparing students for service professions. While graduates may not achieve the highest earnings compared to peers at larger institutions, they typically find stable employment in fields that offer job security, benefits, and opportunities for community impact. The university's small size and supportive environment help students build the professional networks and practical skills needed for success in healthcare, education, and related service sectors.
Anderson University's affordability varies significantly by family income, with the university providing meaningful financial aid to lower-income students while remaining expensive for middle and upper-income families. Low-income students pay about $19,260 annually after aid, which is reasonable for a private institution, while middle-income families face costs around $20,975 per year. High-income families pay closer to the full cost at $25,576 annually, reflecting limited merit aid availability at higher income levels.
The university's financial aid approach focuses primarily on need-based assistance, helping to make a private Christian education accessible to students from modest backgrounds. However, the overall cost structure means that most families will need to borrow or contribute significantly to cover expenses. The predictable pricing across income bands helps families plan, but the limited merit aid means that students without significant financial need may find Anderson expensive compared to public alternatives.
Debt levels reflect the university's private college pricing, with typical graduates carrying about $27,000 in federal student loans and families borrowing an additional $24,237 through Parent PLUS loans when they choose that option. While these amounts are manageable given Anderson's focus on stable career fields like nursing and education, families should carefully consider their total borrowing relative to expected career earnings, particularly for programs outside of healthcare where starting salaries may be more modest.
Anderson University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
