Students at John Brown University achieve strong long-term financial outcomes that place the institution among the top third of colleges nationwide for earnings after graduation.
The university delivers solid return on investment through personalized education and strong career preparation that translates into meaningful financial success for graduates.
John Brown University ranks among the top third of institutions nationally for long-term earnings, placing it in the 71st percentile for return on investment among similar colleges. This small private Christian university in Arkansas consistently delivers strong financial outcomes for graduates, with median earnings of $53,907 ten years after enrollment. What makes JBU distinctive is its ability to combine the personal attention of a small liberal arts college with the career preparation typically associated with larger research universities.
The university serves a moderately selective student body, with about 21% of students receiving Pell Grants and 29% being first-generation college students. While access is more limited than at public institutions, JBU provides meaningful support for the diverse students it does enroll. The institution's Christian mission and small size create a tight-knit community where students receive individualized mentoring and career guidance.
As a private nonprofit institution, John Brown University offers the advantages of small class sizes, close faculty relationships, and strong alumni networks. For families willing to invest in a faith-based education, JBU delivers solid long-term financial returns that justify the higher upfront costs typical of private colleges.
John Brown University's program portfolio reflects the institution's commitment to combining liberal arts education with practical career preparation. The university's distinctive strength lies in specialized programs that serve niche markets while maintaining strong employment outcomes. Commercial Photography exemplifies this approach, graduating about 33 students annually with solid career prospects in a creative field that requires both artistic skill and business acumen.
The university's broader academic offerings span traditional liberal arts disciplines alongside professional programs in business, engineering, and other career-focused fields. This combination allows students to pursue their interests while building marketable skills that translate into strong post-graduation employment. The small program sizes typical at JBU enable personalized instruction and mentoring that helps students develop both technical competencies and professional networks.
As a comprehensive Christian university, JBU integrates faith-based perspectives across its academic programs while maintaining rigorous academic standards. The institution's emphasis on character development, ethical leadership, and service learning complements traditional academic preparation, creating graduates who are well-prepared for both career success and meaningful community engagement. This holistic approach to education contributes to the strong long-term outcomes that JBU graduates achieve across diverse career paths.
Graduates of John Brown University achieve strong long-term financial outcomes that place the institution in the top third nationally for earnings. Ten years after enrollment, JBU graduates earn a median of $53,907, reflecting the university's success in preparing students for well-paying careers across multiple fields. The university's 70th percentile ranking for return on investment demonstrates that graduates consistently achieve solid financial success relative to their educational investment.
While the overall earnings performance is strong, outcomes vary significantly by program choice. Commercial Photography, one of JBU's distinctive programs, graduates about 33 students annually with median early-career earnings around $37,748. This program represents the university's highest aggregate return offering, combining reasonable enrollment with solid career prospects in a specialized creative field. The university's broader program portfolio includes strong offerings in business, engineering, and other professional fields that contribute to the overall positive earnings outcomes.
John Brown University's graduates benefit from the institution's emphasis on practical career preparation and strong industry connections. The combination of personalized education, Christian values, and professional focus helps students transition successfully into careers that provide long-term financial stability and growth potential.
John Brown University's affordability profile reflects its position as a private Christian institution that provides significant financial aid to make education accessible. Low-income students pay approximately $17,732 annually after aid, while middle-income families see net costs around $19,073 per year. Even high-income families pay about $24,817 annually, which represents substantial savings from the full sticker price through the university's commitment to need-based and merit aid.
The university's financial aid strategy helps families manage the higher costs typical of private education. Most students graduate with manageable debt levels, with typical federal student loan debt around $21,250 and Parent PLUS borrowing averaging $16,601. These debt levels are reasonable given JBU's strong earnings outcomes, and the university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates successfully manage their loan obligations after graduation.
What makes JBU particularly sustainable financially is the combination of strong aid programs and solid post-graduation earnings. With median earnings approaching $54,000 ten years out, most graduates can comfortably handle their debt obligations while building long-term financial security. The university's focus on career preparation and alumni networking helps ensure that the investment in private education pays dividends throughout graduates' careers.
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