Students at Cedarville University achieve strong long-term earnings that place the institution well above average nationally, particularly benefiting low-income graduates who see solid financial outcomes.
The university's exceptional loan repayment performance, with graduates paying down debt much faster than national averages, reflects both strong career preparation and the financial discipline that students develop.
Cedarville University is a private Christian institution in Ohio that delivers solid long-term outcomes for its graduates. While the university serves a more selective student population with only 15% receiving Pell Grants, it provides strong earnings potential with graduates earning a median of $55,443 ten years after enrollment. The university falls into the "Selective Achievers" category, meaning it produces good outcomes for the students it serves, though it reaches fewer low-income students than many institutions.
Cedarville's strength lies in its focused academic programs and exceptional loan repayment performance. Nearly 92% of borrowers successfully repay their loans, and the university shows some of the fastest debt payoff rates in the country, with graduates paying down balances much more quickly than national averages. This reflects both the quality of career preparation and the financial discipline that graduates demonstrate after leaving the university.
As a medium-sized private nonprofit institution, Cedarville combines the personal attention of a smaller college with robust programs in high-demand fields like nursing, mechanical engineering, and accounting. The university's Christian mission attracts students seeking both academic excellence and spiritual development, creating a distinctive educational environment that prepares graduates for both career success and community leadership.
Cedarville University's program portfolio centers on practical, career-focused fields that connect directly to employer demand and stable career paths. Adult Health Nursing dominates both enrollment and aggregate return, graduating 110 students annually with median earnings around $56,532, reflecting the strong job market for healthcare professionals and the university's reputation in nursing education. This program alone represents a significant portion of the university's economic impact for graduates.
Engineering and business programs round out the university's strongest offerings. Mechanical Engineering graduates about 45 students per year with solid earnings around $62,409, representing some of the highest early-career salaries the university produces. Accounting Technology, while smaller with 29 graduates, delivers competitive earnings at $57,318 and reflects the university's strength in preparing students for professional business roles.
These programs align well with Cedarville's Christian mission and practical educational philosophy, emphasizing fields where graduates can both achieve financial stability and serve their communities. The concentration in healthcare, engineering, and business creates a focused academic environment where students receive intensive preparation for careers that offer both personal fulfillment and economic security. The university's exceptional loan repayment performance across all programs suggests that this career-focused approach translates into real financial success for graduates.
Graduates of Cedarville University achieve solid long-term financial outcomes, with median earnings of $55,443 ten years after enrollment. This places the university in the 78th percentile nationally for earnings, well above average for institutions of its type. While graduates don't necessarily earn more than expected compared with similar students at other institutions, they do achieve consistent, reliable financial results that support stable career trajectories.
The university's strongest programs deliver particularly good returns. Adult Health Nursing stands out as both the largest program with 110 graduates and the highest aggregate return, with typical earnings around $56,532. Mechanical Engineering graduates earn about $62,409, representing some of the university's highest early-career salaries, while Accounting Technology graduates see median earnings of $57,318. These programs reflect Cedarville's focus on practical, career-oriented fields that connect directly to employer demand.
What makes Cedarville especially notable is how well graduates manage their financial obligations after college. The university shows exceptional loan repayment performance, with borrowers paying down debt balances far faster than national averages. By year four after graduation, typical borrowers have paid off over 27% of their original balance, compared with much slower national patterns. This suggests that Cedarville graduates not only earn solid incomes but also demonstrate strong financial management skills that serve them well throughout their careers.
Cedarville University's affordability varies significantly by family income, reflecting its status as a private institution with substantial tuition costs. Low-income families pay about $20,956 annually after aid, while middle-income families see similar net prices around $20,141. High-income families face higher costs at approximately $28,319 per year, which is typical for private colleges but represents a significant financial commitment for most families.
The university's aid structure appears designed to make attendance possible for families across income levels, though the net prices remain substantial compared with public alternatives. What helps offset these costs is the university's track record of preparing students for stable, well-paying careers and the exceptional loan repayment success that graduates achieve. With a 0% federal loan default rate and outstanding repayment performance, Cedarville demonstrates that its graduates can successfully manage the debt they take on.
Debt levels are moderate for a private institution, with typical federal student loan debt around $20,937 and Parent PLUS borrowing averaging $29,149. While these amounts require careful planning, the university's strong career preparation and the financial discipline that graduates demonstrate suggest that most families can successfully manage these obligations over time.
Cedarville University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
