Students at Midway University benefit from strong educational access and a supportive small college environment, particularly valuable for first-generation students who make up nearly half the student body.
The intimate campus setting provides personalized attention and close faculty relationships that can be especially beneficial for students who thrive in tight-knit academic communities.
Midway University is a small private nonprofit institution in Kentucky that serves students seeking an intimate college experience with strong personal support systems. While the university ranks in the lower tier nationally for overall outcomes, it provides meaningful access for first-generation and Pell-eligible students who make up nearly half of the student body. The institution's 46% Pell share and 43% first-generation share demonstrate its commitment to serving students who are often the first in their families to pursue higher education.
Graduates earn a median of $44,246 ten years after enrollment, which places the university below typical earnings levels for similar institutions. However, the small class sizes and personalized attention can be valuable for students who thrive in close-knit academic environments. The university's 59% eight-year graduation rate shows that many students do complete their degrees, though outcomes vary significantly by program choice.
As a small private college, Midway University offers the advantages of individualized attention and strong student-faculty relationships that larger institutions often cannot provide. For students who value community and personal support over maximum financial returns, this environment can be particularly beneficial for academic and personal development.
Program selection plays a crucial role in outcomes at Midway University, with clear differences in earnings potential across fields of study. Business/Commerce stands out as the institution's strongest program both in terms of graduate volume and financial returns, with 36 graduates earning around $45,435 ten years after graduation. This program represents the university's most successful pathway to solid middle-class earnings and generates the highest aggregate economic value for the institution.
Psychology attracts significant student interest with 24 graduates but shows more modest earnings outcomes at approximately $28,236, reflecting the field's typical early-career salary patterns and the need for additional education or training for higher-paying positions. Other programs show varied results, with some leading to earnings below $25,000 ten years out, highlighting the importance of careful program selection aligned with career goals and market demand.
The university's small scale means limited program breadth compared with larger institutions, but this can translate to more personalized attention within each field of study. Students benefit from close faculty relationships and individualized mentorship that may not immediately show up in salary data but could provide valuable professional development and networking opportunities over the long term.
Graduates of Midway University see modest long-term financial outcomes compared with national averages. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $44,246, which places the institution in the lower portion of the national distribution for earnings outcomes. The university's earnings performance falls short of expectations when compared with similar institutions, reflecting challenges in translating educational investment into strong financial returns.
Program choice significantly impacts earnings potential at Midway University. Business/Commerce graduates, representing the largest successful program with 36 graduates, earn around $45,435 ten years out and generate the highest aggregate return for the institution. Psychology graduates, while representing a substantial portion of the student body with 24 graduates, see more modest earnings around $28,236. The variation in outcomes underscores the importance of selecting programs aligned with career goals and market demand.
The university's small scale means fewer total graduates enter the workforce each year, which can limit alumni network density and employer recruitment compared with larger institutions. However, the intimate learning environment and close faculty mentorship may provide valuable professional development opportunities that don't immediately translate to higher starting salaries but could benefit long-term career growth.
Affordability at Midway University presents a mixed picture for families across income levels. Low-income students pay about $22,513 per year after aid, while middle-income families see costs around $21,880 annually. High-income families face higher net prices at approximately $26,810 per year. These price points place the university below average for affordability compared with similar private institutions, meaning families generally pay more than they would at many peer schools.
Debt levels require careful consideration for prospective students and families. Typical graduates leave with about $21,301 in federal student loan debt, a moderate amount that reflects the institution's private college pricing structure. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $14,240, adding to the total family investment in education. The combination of moderate earnings outcomes and substantial debt loads means graduates need to plan carefully for repayment after graduation.
The university's pricing structure reflects its small, private college model, where higher per-student costs support smaller class sizes and more individualized attention. Families should weigh these educational benefits against the financial investment required, particularly given the institution's below-average earnings outcomes for graduates.
Midway University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
