Newman University graduates achieve solid financial outcomes with above-average earnings and exceptional debt management, reflected in a zero percent default rate that demonstrates strong career preparation.
The university's focused professional programs and personalized support translate into graduates who successfully manage their financial obligations while building stable careers.
Newman University ranks as a small private nonprofit institution in Kansas that delivers above-average return on investment for its graduates. While the university serves a relatively selective student population with only 12% receiving Pell Grants, it consistently helps students achieve meaningful career outcomes across its focused program portfolio. The institution's 54% six-year graduation rate reflects the personalized support that comes with a small campus environment, where students receive individual attention throughout their academic journey.
What distinguishes Newman is its ability to prepare students for stable, well-paying careers despite its modest size. Graduates earn a median of $55,041 ten years after enrollment, placing the university in the 60th percentile nationally for long-term earnings. The university's strength lies particularly in professional programs like nursing and education, which provide clear pathways to employment in growing fields with strong job security.
As a Catholic institution in Wichita, Newman University combines faith-based education with practical career preparation. The university's small scale allows for close faculty-student relationships and individualized career guidance, while its focus on professional programs ensures that graduates enter the workforce with relevant skills and credentials. For students who thrive in smaller academic communities and seek programs with direct career applications, Newman offers a supportive environment that translates into solid long-term financial outcomes.
Newman University's program portfolio centers on professional fields that provide clear career pathways and stable employment opportunities. The university's largest program, Adult and Continuing Education with 52 graduates, reflects Newman's commitment to serving working professionals and career changers who need flexible, practical education options. These graduates earn about $36,437 ten years out, typical for education professionals who benefit from job security and structured career advancement.
Nursing represents Newman's highest-return program, with 41 Adult Health Nursing graduates earning around $50,287 annually. This strong performance reflects the high demand for healthcare professionals in Kansas and the broader Midwest region, where Newman's nursing graduates find ready employment in hospitals, clinics, and specialized care facilities. The program's success demonstrates the university's ability to prepare students for immediate entry into growing professional fields.
Biology, while smaller with 24 graduates, serves as a foundation program for students planning to pursue additional education in healthcare, research, or related fields. The lower initial earnings of $22,420 reflect the preparatory nature of this degree, as many biology graduates continue to medical school, graduate programs, or professional certification that significantly improves their long-term earning potential. Newman's small program sizes across all fields allow for personalized mentoring and career guidance that helps students navigate their chosen professional paths effectively.
Newman University graduates achieve solid long-term earnings that reflect the institution's focus on career-oriented programs. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $55,041, positioning the university in the 60th percentile nationally for earnings outcomes. While this represents strong performance for a small private institution, graduates actually earn slightly less than statistical models would predict based on student characteristics, suggesting that outcomes depend significantly on program choice and individual career paths.
The university's strongest returns come from its nursing and education programs, which together represent the core of Newman's academic mission. Adult Health Nursing, the highest aggregate return program, graduates 41 students annually who earn around $50,287 ten years out, reflecting the strong demand for healthcare professionals in Kansas and surrounding regions. Adult and Continuing Education, the largest program with 52 graduates, produces earnings of $36,437, typical for education professionals who often see steady career progression and strong job security. Biology graduates, while fewer in number at 24 students, start with more modest early-career earnings of $22,420 but often pursue additional education or specialized training that can improve long-term prospects.
The university's focused program portfolio means that career outcomes vary significantly by major choice. Students in nursing and other health-related fields typically see the strongest immediate returns, while those in education benefit from stable employment and pension systems that provide long-term financial security. The small scale of each program allows for personalized career guidance and strong alumni networks within specific professional communities.
Newman University offers relatively consistent net pricing across income levels, with most families paying between $17,000 and $22,000 annually after financial aid. Low-income students pay about $18,579 per year, while middle-income families see costs of $17,055, and higher-income families pay $21,726. This pricing structure places Newman near the national average for affordability among private institutions, though the university's small size means that financial aid packages can be more personalized than at larger institutions.
Debt levels at Newman are manageable for most graduates, with typical federal student loan debt of $20,801 and Parent PLUS borrowing averaging $15,000. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates are successfully managing their debt obligations after graduation. The combination of moderate debt levels and solid earnings outcomes means that most Newman graduates can handle standard loan repayment without significant financial strain.
What makes Newman's affordability story particularly strong is the loan repayment performance of its graduates. The university consistently outperforms national benchmarks for debt paydown, with borrowers paying off balances faster than typical institutions. By year four after graduation, Newman borrowers have paid down about 11% of their original balance, placing the university in the 82nd percentile nationally for balance reduction. This superior repayment performance reflects both the career stability that comes from Newman's professional programs and the financial literacy support the university provides to students.
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Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
