Students at Greenville University gain access to a close-knit Christian college experience that prioritizes personal growth and service over maximum financial returns.
The university serves as an important pathway for first-generation and Pell-eligible students seeking faith-integrated education, though graduates should expect modest earnings in fields like education and ministry.
Greenville University is a small private Christian college in Illinois that serves students seeking a faith-centered education in an intimate campus setting. With around 38% of students receiving Pell Grants and about 31% being first-generation college students, the university provides meaningful access to higher education for students from diverse economic backgrounds.
The institution's outcomes reflect the realities of a small liberal arts college focused on fields like education and ministry. Graduates earn a median of $46,827 ten years after enrollment, which places the university around the 40th percentile nationally. While these earnings are below what similar students achieve at other institutions, many graduates pursue careers in teaching, social work, and ministry where financial rewards are often secondary to personal mission and community impact.
As an "Under-Resourced Institution" in terms of mobility outcomes, Greenville University faces challenges in delivering the same financial returns as larger research universities. However, for students who value small class sizes, faith integration, and preparation for service-oriented careers, the university offers a distinctive educational experience that aligns with different definitions of success beyond purely economic measures.
Greenville University's program offerings reflect its mission as a Christian liberal arts college focused on preparing students for service-oriented careers. The available data shows Adult and Continuing Education as a significant program, graduating 27 students who earn around $30,409 ten years after graduation. This field exemplifies the university's emphasis on education and human development, where graduates often work in schools, community organizations, and faith-based settings.
The university's small size means that program offerings are necessarily focused rather than comprehensive, with an emphasis on fields that align with Christian service and community engagement. Students typically pursue majors in education, ministry, social work, business, and liberal arts, preparing for careers where personal mission and community impact are primary motivators. While these fields may not offer the highest financial returns, they provide meaningful work opportunities for graduates committed to service and faith-based careers.
As a small institution, Greenville graduates fewer students per program but often develops strong mentoring relationships and tight-knit professional networks within specific fields. This personal attention and community connection can be particularly valuable in education and ministry contexts, where character references and personal relationships play important roles in career advancement and job placement.
Graduates of Greenville University see modest long-term financial outcomes that reflect the institution's focus on service-oriented fields. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $46,827, which places the university around the 40th percentile nationally for earnings. The university's graduates typically earn less than what similar students achieve at other institutions, with earnings running about $7,700 below expectations based on student characteristics and program mix.
The university's limited program data shows Adult and Continuing Education as a significant field, with 27 graduates earning around $30,409 ten years out. This pattern reflects Greenville's emphasis on education, ministry, and human services—fields where graduates often prioritize mission and community impact over maximum earning potential. Many students pursue careers in teaching, social work, youth ministry, and nonprofit leadership, where compensation levels are typically lower but personal fulfillment and service orientation drive career choices.
While the financial returns may not match those of larger research universities, graduates often find meaningful work aligned with their values and faith commitments. The university's small size and close-knit community help students build strong networks within their chosen fields, particularly in education and ministry contexts where relationships and character references matter significantly for career advancement.
Affordability at Greenville University presents a mixed picture, with relatively consistent net prices across income levels but meaningful debt burdens for most students. Low-income families pay about $18,493 annually, middle-income families see costs around $19,800, and higher-income families pay approximately $24,745. This pricing structure keeps the university accessible to students from various economic backgrounds, though the net prices represent a significant portion of family income for most households.
Debt levels require careful consideration given the university's earnings outcomes. Typical graduates leave with about $23,875 in federal student loan debt, and families often take on an additional $17,716 in Parent PLUS loans. With median graduate earnings of $46,827, the standard loan payments represent a substantial portion of monthly income, making careful financial planning essential. The university's focus on fields like education and ministry, which typically offer lower starting salaries, means graduates need to be particularly thoughtful about borrowing levels and repayment strategies.
Greenville University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
