Southern Nazarene University functions as an Opportunity Builder institution, serving 45.4% Pell-eligible students while generating $5,938 in earnings beyond expectations. The university combines strong access with controlled costs, positioning graduates for financial stability through manageable debt levels and positive career outcomes.
With well above average outcomes, driven by strong earnings beyond expectations relative to educational investment
With above average performance, reflecting controlled net prices and moderate debt levels compared to peer institutions
With above average results, indicating the university's commitment to serving diverse student populations including 45.4% Pell-eligible and 38.0% first-generation students
With modestly below average performance, reflecting the balance between access and outcomes
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisSouthern Nazarene University delivers earnings outcomes that exceed expectations given its student demographics and program mix. Graduates earn a median of $54,951 ten years after enrollment, ranking at the 57th percentile nationally.
The institution generates $5,938 in earnings beyond expectations, placing it in the 76.9th percentile nationally on this value-added measure, indicating strong performance relative to student backgrounds. Earnings span from $33,529 at the 25th percentile to $83,155 at the 75th percentile, reflecting program diversity and career path variation.
Students seeking specialized career coaching and business programs at a faith-based institution with strong support for first-generation and Pell-eligible students. Well-suited for those prioritizing personalized attention at a small private university with demonstrated earnings beyond expectations, particularly in Executive/Career Coaching where Southern Nazarene ranks #7 nationally.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
Comprehensive Analysis
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This is the Southern Nazarene University hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/southern-nazarene-university/analysis.
Earnings beyond expectations at 77th percentile
Southern Nazarene University leads with affordability performance at the 67.1st percentile, reflecting controlled costs and manageable debt levels for graduates. Located in Bethany, Oklahoma, this small private nonprofit university enrolls 45.4% Pell-eligible students and 38.0% first-generation students, demonstrating strong commitment to serving diverse student populations.
The university ranks #481 nationally in Azimuth's composite analysis, placing in the 70.5th percentile overall. Graduates earn $5,938 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 76.9th percentile nationally for earnings uplift.
Median earnings reach $54,951 ten years after enrollment, placing Southern Nazarene at the 57th percentile. Compared to peer institutions, graduates earn $4,539 more annually than the peer median of $50,412.
This combination of above-average access, controlled costs, and earnings beyond expectations positions Southern Nazarene as an Opportunity Builder institution that emphasizes educational access alongside positive economic outcomes.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Southern Nazarene University's published cost of attendance totals $41,972 annually, including $29,600 in tuition, $9,560 for room and board, and $1,540 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $17,838 after financial aid, representing $24,134 in average financial aid savings. This net price falls $3,974 below the peer median of $21,812, indicating more affordable access compared to similar private nonprofit institutions.
The university's financial aid strategy targets support across income levels, with net prices ranging from $15,195 for families earning under $30,000 to $24,765 for those earning over $110,000. This progressive pricing structure reflects the institution's commitment to serving diverse student populations, including 45.4% Pell-eligible students. The $9,570 gap between the lowest and highest income tiers demonstrates substantial aid concentration toward lower-income families while maintaining accessibility for middle-income students.
Southern Nazarene University graduates demonstrate steady earnings progression over their early to mid-career period. Median earnings grow from $48,255 six years after enrollment to $51,885 at eight years and $54,951 at ten years, representing 13.9% growth from the six-year mark. These outcomes are based on cohorts ranging from 771 graduates at six years to 980 graduates at ten years, providing confidence in the reported figures across multiple graduation classes.
The university generates $5,938 in earnings beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing Southern Nazarene in the 76.9th percentile for this value-added measure. Low-income graduates earn $42,300, indicating positive outcomes for students from diverse economic backgrounds. Earnings distribution shows meaningful variation, with outcomes ranging from $33,529 at the 25th percentile to $83,155 at the 75th percentile. Approximately 25.7% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, reflecting the institution's role in preparing students for both workforce entry and advanced education pathways.
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing.
29 graduates
Executive/Career Coaching.
109 graduates
Business Administration and Management, General.
116 graduates
Exercise Science and Kinesiology.
24 graduates
Adult Development and Aging.
43 graduates
Southern Nazarene University offers 6 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data available for analysis. Executive/Career Coaching ranks #7 nationally and #1 in Oklahoma, graduating 109 students with median earnings of $64,388 and an exceptional value score of 89.5. Adult Health Nurse/Nursing produces the highest median earnings at $70,284, graduating 29 students annually with a value score of 15.3.
Business Administration and Management represents the university's largest program by enrollment, graduating 116 students with median earnings of $54,669 and ranking #228 nationally. Adult Development and Aging ranks #38 nationally and #2 in Oklahoma, graduating 43 students with median earnings of $41,533 and a strong value score of 61.1. Exercise Science and Kinesiology ranks #133 nationally and #2 in Oklahoma, graduating 24 students with median earnings of $47,703. These programs reflect Southern Nazarene's focus on career-oriented education with strong state-level recognition across multiple fields.
