Students at Schreiner University benefit from earnings that exceed expectations, particularly those in the university's strong nursing and health science programs.
The combination of personalized education and focused career preparation helps graduates achieve financial outcomes that justify their educational investment.
Schreiner University is a small private nonprofit institution in Kerrville, Texas, serving about 1,200 students in the Texas Hill Country. While it doesn't rank among the top-tier institutions nationally for overall value, Schreiner offers something distinctive: a tight-knit academic community where students receive significant individual attention, particularly in health sciences and nursing programs that lead to solid career outcomes.
The university serves a diverse student body, with 44% receiving Pell Grants and 37% being first-generation college students. Graduates earn a median of $52,228 ten years after enrollment, which represents earnings about $5,340 above what similar students achieve at comparable institutions. This earnings advantage reflects Schreiner's focused approach to career preparation, especially in nursing and health-related fields.
As a small private college, Schreiner provides the personalized educational experience that many students seek, combined with practical career preparation. The university's location in the Texas Hill Country offers a distinctive campus environment, while its health science programs connect students to growing healthcare job markets throughout Texas. For students who thrive in smaller academic communities and are drawn to healthcare careers, Schreiner represents a solid investment in both education and long-term earning potential.
Schreiner University's program portfolio reflects a focused approach to career preparation, with particular strength in health sciences and nursing. The Adult Health Nurse/Nursing program stands out as both the largest and highest-earning major, graduating 87 students annually with median earnings of $69,338 ten years after graduation. This program represents the university's strongest return on investment, combining substantial enrollment with excellent long-term earning potential that reflects the robust demand for healthcare professionals.
Exercise Science and Kinesiology, while popular with 26 graduates, shows more modest early-career earnings around $24,863, which is typical for fields that often serve as stepping stones to graduate study or additional certification in physical therapy, athletic training, or related healthcare specialties. This pattern reflects Schreiner's role in preparing students for health-related career pathways that may require additional education but ultimately lead to stable, well-compensated positions.
The concentration in health sciences and related fields helps explain Schreiner's ability to deliver earnings beyond expectations for its graduates. As a smaller institution, the university can provide focused career preparation, strong clinical partnerships, and personalized guidance that helps students succeed in competitive healthcare job markets throughout Texas and beyond.
Schreiner University graduates achieve solid long-term financial outcomes, with median earnings of $52,228 ten years after enrollment. More importantly, graduates earn about $5,340 more than similar students at comparable institutions, demonstrating meaningful earnings beyond expectations. This advantage reflects the university's focused approach to career preparation and the strength of its professional programs, particularly in healthcare fields.
The university's strongest financial returns come from its nursing program, which graduates 87 students annually with median earnings of $69,338 ten years out. This represents one of Schreiner's most successful career pathways, combining high enrollment with strong pay that reflects the robust demand for healthcare professionals throughout Texas. Exercise Science and Kinesiology, while popular with 26 graduates, shows more modest early-career earnings around $24,863, typical for fields that often require additional certification or graduate study.
Schreiner's program portfolio concentrates heavily on health sciences and related fields, which helps explain the university's ability to deliver earnings that exceed expectations. The focused nature of the institution means students receive targeted career preparation and benefit from strong employer relationships in healthcare sectors. While the overall graduate cohort is smaller than at large universities, this creates opportunities for more personalized career guidance and networking within specialized fields.
Affordability at Schreiner University varies significantly by family income, reflecting typical private college pricing patterns. Low-income students pay about $16,646 annually after aid, which is competitive for a private institution, while middle-income families face costs around $21,461 per year. High-income families pay approximately $27,675 annually, representing the full private college experience but at a more moderate level than many peer institutions.
Debt levels are manageable for most graduates, with typical federal student loan debt of $23,250 and Parent PLUS borrowing averaging $18,199. These amounts reflect the reality of private college financing but remain within reasonable bounds given Schreiner's career outcomes. The university's 0% federal loan default rate indicates that graduates generally succeed in managing their debt obligations, supported by the earnings advantages that come from focused career preparation.
What makes Schreiner financially sustainable for many families is the combination of moderate private college costs with solid career outcomes, particularly in nursing and health sciences. The university's small size allows for more personalized financial aid packaging, and the focused program mix means students are well-prepared for careers that can support their educational investment. While costs are higher than public alternatives, the earnings premium and career preparation often justify the additional expense for students seeking a more personalized educational experience.
Schreiner University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
