Students at Judson University benefit from earnings that exceed expectations by about $4,578 compared with graduates from similar institutions, reflecting the university's effective career preparation and practical focus.
The combination of broad access for diverse students and solid financial outcomes makes Judson a reliable choice for families seeking both educational value and financial sustainability.
Judson University is a small private nonprofit institution in Elgin, Illinois, that combines Christian values with practical career preparation. While not ranking among the highest-earning institutions nationally, Judson performs at the 57th percentile for long-term earnings, delivering solid financial outcomes for graduates who value the close-knit community and faith-based education it provides. The university serves a diverse student body, with nearly 40% receiving Pell Grants and more than 35% being first-generation college students.
What distinguishes Judson is its ability to support students from varied backgrounds through to graduation. The university maintains a 53% six-year graduation rate and achieves earnings that exceed expectations by about $4,578 compared with similar institutions. This earnings advantage, while modest, reflects the university's commitment to practical career preparation alongside its liberal arts foundation.
As a small Christian university, Judson offers the personalized attention and community support that many students need to succeed academically and professionally. For families seeking a faith-centered education with reasonable financial outcomes, Judson provides a balanced approach that emphasizes both spiritual development and career readiness in a supportive campus environment.
Judson University's program portfolio reflects its dual mission of practical career preparation and service-oriented education. Business Administration stands out as the university's flagship program, graduating 55 students annually with strong median earnings of $52,733. This program represents the highest aggregate return at the institution, combining solid enrollment with competitive financial outcomes that demonstrate Judson's effectiveness in preparing students for business careers.
The university also maintains strong programs in Human Services, which graduate 26 students with median earnings of $30,554. While these earnings are more modest, they reflect meaningful career paths in fields that align with Judson's Christian mission and service orientation. The diversity in program outcomes shows how the university balances high-earning professional preparation with purpose-driven career paths.
As a small institution, Judson focuses on programs where it can provide exceptional personal attention and practical preparation. The university's program mix emphasizes fields where graduates can find stable employment and meaningful work, whether in business leadership roles or service professions. This focused approach allows Judson to deliver consistent outcomes across its core programs while maintaining the close faculty-student relationships that define the small college experience.
Graduates of Judson University achieve solid long-term financial outcomes that reflect the institution's practical approach to career preparation. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $56,313, placing the university at the 57th percentile nationally. More importantly, Judson graduates earn about $4,578 more than similar students at comparable institutions, demonstrating the university's ability to add meaningful value to students' career prospects despite its modest size and resources.
The university's strongest financial returns come from its Business Administration program, which graduates 55 students annually with median earnings of $52,733. This program represents Judson's highest aggregate return, combining solid enrollment with competitive earnings outcomes. Human Services graduates, while earning more modestly at $30,554, still find meaningful career paths in fields that align with the university's service-oriented mission. The diversity in program outcomes reflects Judson's commitment to preparing students for both high-earning business careers and purpose-driven service professions.
While Judson may not produce the highest absolute earnings compared with large research universities, its graduates consistently outperform expectations given the institution's profile. This earnings advantage, combined with the university's supportive environment and strong graduation rates, creates a solid foundation for long-term financial stability and career growth.
Judson University maintains relatively consistent net prices across income levels, making it accessible to families from diverse economic backgrounds. Low-income students pay approximately $24,510 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $23,558, and high-income families pay about $29,047. This pricing structure, while reflecting the higher costs typical of private institutions, shows the university's commitment to making education accessible through financial aid that keeps costs manageable for lower-income students.
The university's debt levels are moderate and generally sustainable given graduate earnings. Typical students leave with about $25,000 in federal loan debt, while families who choose Parent PLUS loans borrow an average of $13,115. With median graduate earnings of $56,313 ten years out, most borrowers can handle standard repayment comfortably. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates successfully manage their debt obligations and find stable employment after graduation.
What makes Judson particularly sustainable financially is the combination of reasonable debt levels and solid earnings outcomes. The university's loan repayment rates show that about 72% of borrowers are successfully paying down their balances, well above national averages. This strong repayment performance reflects both the university's career preparation effectiveness and the financial responsibility it instills in students throughout their academic experience.
Judson University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
