Students at Southern Nazarene University achieve earnings that consistently exceed expectations, with graduates earning nearly $6,000 more than similar students at other institutions.
This earnings advantage, combined with broad access for first-generation and low-income students, makes SNU a genuine pathway to economic advancement.
Southern Nazarene University delivers solid value for students seeking a faith-based education with practical career outcomes. Located in Bethany, Oklahoma, this small private nonprofit institution serves a diverse student body where 45% receive Pell Grants and 38% are first-generation college students. Despite its modest size, SNU consistently produces graduates who earn more than expected compared with similar students at other institutions, with median 10-year earnings of $54,951 that place the university in the 60th percentile nationally.
What distinguishes Southern Nazarene is its ability to combine broad access with meaningful upward mobility. The university operates as a "Mobility Engine," successfully serving students from lower-income backgrounds while helping them achieve solid financial outcomes after graduation. This balance of accessibility and results reflects SNU's mission-driven approach to education, where personal attention and career-focused programs create pathways to economic advancement.
As a small Christian university, Southern Nazarene offers the intimate learning environment and values-based education that many students seek, while maintaining the academic rigor and career preparation needed for long-term success. The combination of strong earnings beyond expectations, reasonable affordability, and genuine commitment to student mobility makes SNU a compelling choice for families who want both spiritual formation and practical career preparation.
Southern Nazarene University's program portfolio reflects a strategic focus on career-oriented fields that lead directly to stable employment and solid earnings. Executive and Career Coaching emerges as a standout program, combining substantial enrollment of 109 graduates with strong median earnings of $53,537, making it both popular and financially rewarding for students. This program exemplifies SNU's emphasis on practical, professional preparation that translates into immediate career value.
Business Administration and Management represents the university's largest program footprint with 116 graduates, demonstrating strong student demand and institutional strength in this foundational field. While median earnings of $48,432 are more moderate, the program's scale creates significant alumni networks and employer relationships that benefit graduates over time. Adult Health Nursing, though smaller with 29 graduates, delivers the highest individual earnings at $58,673, reflecting the strong demand for healthcare professionals and SNU's ability to prepare students for high-value careers.
These three programs illustrate Southern Nazarene's approach to education: combining professional preparation with practical skills that employers value. The university's success in fields ranging from business management to healthcare and executive coaching demonstrates its ability to adapt programming to market needs while maintaining the personal attention and values-based education that define the SNU experience.
Southern Nazarene University graduates achieve solid long-term financial outcomes that consistently exceed expectations. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $54,951, with the university delivering nearly $6,000 in earnings beyond expectations compared with similar students at other institutions. This performance places SNU in the 60th percentile nationally for graduate earnings, demonstrating the value of its career-focused approach to education.
The university's strongest returns come from its professional programs, particularly in business and healthcare fields. Executive and Career Coaching stands out as both a high-enrollment program with 109 graduates and strong earning potential at $53,537 median income. Business Administration and Management represents the largest program footprint with 116 graduates earning a median of $48,432, while Adult Health Nursing delivers the highest individual earnings at $58,673 for its 29 graduates. These programs reflect SNU's emphasis on practical, career-oriented education that translates directly into employment opportunities.
The university's ability to help students earn more than expected stems from its combination of personalized attention, strong industry connections, and programs aligned with regional employment needs. With 328 graduates earning over $75,000 annually, Southern Nazarene demonstrates that smaller institutions can deliver meaningful economic outcomes when they focus on career preparation and student success.
Southern Nazarene University maintains reasonable affordability across income levels, making private Christian education accessible to a diverse student population. Low-income students pay an average net price of $15,195 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $19,579, and higher-income students pay approximately $24,765. These price points reflect substantial institutional aid that helps bridge the gap between sticker price and what families actually pay.
Debt levels remain manageable for most SNU graduates. Students typically leave with $21,900 in federal loan debt, a reasonable amount given the university's median graduate earnings of nearly $55,000. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $11,985, indicating that many families contribute directly to education costs while keeping student debt at sustainable levels. The university's 0% federal loan default rate demonstrates that graduates can successfully manage their debt obligations after graduation.
What makes Southern Nazarene particularly sustainable financially is the strong relationship between what students borrow and what they earn after graduation. With solid median earnings and earnings that exceed expectations, most graduates can comfortably handle standard loan repayment while building their careers. The combination of reasonable net prices, manageable debt levels, and strong earning potential creates a financial pathway that works for many families seeking private Christian education.
Southern Nazarene University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
