Students at Avila University earn meaningfully more than similar students at comparable institutions, reflecting the university's ability to add value through personalized education and focused career preparation.
The combination of strong access for underrepresented students and solid earnings beyond expectations makes Avila a reliable choice for families seeking affordable private education.
Avila University is a small private nonprofit institution in Kansas City, Missouri, that serves a diverse student body with nearly half of students receiving Pell Grants and over one-third being first-generation college students. The university demonstrates strong commitment to access, ranking in the 85th percentile nationally for serving underrepresented populations, though it falls into the "Under-Resourced Institutions" mobility category due to more modest earnings outcomes relative to its high-access mission.
Graduates earn a median of $52,773 ten years after enrollment, which represents average performance among similar institutions. However, Avila shows meaningful earnings beyond expectations, with graduates earning about $12,150 more than similar students at comparable institutions nationwide. This suggests the university adds genuine value despite resource constraints that limit absolute earning levels.
As a small private university, Avila offers the intimate learning environment and personalized support that many students need to succeed, particularly those from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in higher education. The university's strength lies in its nursing and healthcare programs, which provide clear pathways to stable, well-paying careers, though students should understand that overall earnings outcomes are more moderate than at larger research universities.
Avila University's program portfolio reflects its mission-driven focus on practical, career-oriented education rather than high-earning but highly competitive fields. Adult Health Nursing stands out as the university's economic engine, graduating 40 students annually with median earnings around $57,137 and representing the highest aggregate return program. This reflects both strong enrollment and solid pay in a field with excellent job security and growth prospects.
Business/Commerce serves as the university's largest program with 24 graduates earning a median of $47,260, providing a solid foundation for middle-management and entrepreneurial careers. Exercise Science and Kinesiology, while listed among the highest-earning programs, shows more modest outcomes at $36,141, typical for a field that often requires additional certification or graduate education for maximum earning potential.
The concentration in healthcare and business programs aligns well with Kansas City's economy and provides students with clear pathways to stable, middle-class careers. While Avila may not offer the breadth of high-earning programs found at larger research universities, its focused approach ensures students receive targeted preparation for fields with reliable employment prospects and meaningful community impact.
Avila University graduates achieve solid long-term financial outcomes, with median earnings of $52,773 ten years after enrollment. More importantly, graduates earn approximately $12,150 beyond expectations compared with similar students at other institutions, demonstrating that Avila adds meaningful value despite being a smaller, resource-constrained institution. This earnings advantage suggests the university's personalized approach and focused programs help students maximize their potential.
The strongest returns come from Avila's healthcare programs, particularly Adult Health Nursing, which graduates about 40 students annually with median earnings around $57,137. This program represents the university's highest aggregate return, combining solid enrollment with strong pay in a field with excellent job security. Business/Commerce is the largest program with 24 graduates earning a median of $47,260, while Exercise Science and Kinesiology, despite being among the highest-earning programs listed, shows more modest outcomes at $36,141.
The university's program portfolio reflects its mission-driven focus on practical, career-oriented fields rather than high-earning but competitive sectors like technology or finance. While this approach may limit peak earning potential, it provides students with clear pathways to stable middle-class careers, particularly valuable for the many first-generation and Pell-eligible students Avila serves.
Avila University offers relatively strong affordability, particularly for low- and middle-income families. Low-income students pay a net price of about $13,998 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $15,084 per year. Even high-income families pay $20,868, which remains reasonable for a private university education. These net prices reflect substantial institutional aid that helps make private education accessible to students from diverse economic backgrounds.
Debt levels are manageable but require careful consideration. Typical graduates leave with $25,000 in federal student loan debt, while families who use Parent PLUS loans borrow an average of $15,435. With median graduate earnings around $52,773, most borrowers can handle standard repayment, though the debt-to-income ratio requires some budgeting discipline. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates generally manage their debt obligations successfully.
What makes Avila particularly sustainable is its combination of reasonable net prices with solid, if not spectacular, earnings outcomes. The university's focus on practical programs like nursing and business helps ensure graduates enter fields with stable employment prospects, even if peak earning potential is more limited than at larger research universities.
Avila University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
