Students at Southwestern Adventist University benefit from a supportive environment where no graduates default on federal loans, reflecting strong financial counseling and manageable debt structures.
The university's nursing program stands out with significantly higher earnings, while the overall institution serves as an effective pathway for students from diverse economic backgrounds.
Southwestern Adventist University is a small private nonprofit institution in Keene, Texas, serving about 39% Pell Grant recipients and 34% first-generation college students. As a faith-based university, it emphasizes personal development alongside academic preparation, though this focus comes with trade-offs in terms of overall financial outcomes. Graduates earn a median of $52,946 ten years after enrollment, which places the university around the 40th percentile nationally for earnings.
The university's mobility quadrant designation as a "Mobility Engine" reflects its commitment to serving students from diverse economic backgrounds, with meaningful access for low-income and first-generation students. However, completion rates present challenges, with only 41% of students graduating within six years and 45% within eight years. The institution's strength lies in specific programs like nursing, where graduates achieve significantly higher earnings that help offset the overall modest outcomes.
For families seeking a small, supportive environment with strong community ties, Southwestern Adventist offers the intimate educational experience that larger institutions cannot match. The university's religious mission and small size create opportunities for mentorship and personal growth, though prospective students should carefully consider the financial implications alongside the educational and spiritual benefits.
Southwestern Adventist University's program portfolio reflects its mission as a faith-based institution, with particular strength in health sciences and service-oriented fields. The Adult Health Nursing program stands as the clear financial leader, graduating 35 students annually who earn a median of $66,941 ten years after graduation. This represents not only the highest earnings at the institution but also a substantial premium over the university's overall median of $52,946.
The concentration of strong outcomes in nursing reflects both the program's quality and the broader demand for healthcare professionals in Texas and beyond. Nursing graduates benefit from immediate job placement opportunities, professional licensing that provides career stability, and earnings that justify the investment in private education. For students interested in healthcare careers, this program represents the university's strongest value proposition.
Beyond nursing, the university's other programs tend to align with its religious mission and focus on service careers in education, ministry, and social work. While these fields may not generate the highest earnings, they provide meaningful career paths for students committed to service and community impact. The small size of most programs ensures personalized attention and strong faculty relationships, though it also means fewer networking opportunities compared to larger institutions.
Graduates of Southwestern Adventist University earn a median of $52,946 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution around the 40th percentile nationally for long-term earnings. While these outcomes are modest compared to larger research universities, they reflect the institution's focus on fields like education, ministry, and health services rather than high-earning technical disciplines. The university's small size and specialized mission create a different value proposition than institutions focused primarily on maximizing graduate earnings.
The standout program is Adult Health Nursing, which graduates about 35 students annually and leads to median earnings of $66,941 ten years out. This represents the university's strongest financial pathway, with nursing graduates earning substantially more than the institutional average. The concentration of positive outcomes in health-related fields suggests that students interested in nursing, healthcare, or related disciplines may find particularly strong value at Southwestern Adventist, while those in other majors should carefully consider the earnings trajectory.
The university's return on investment reflects its mission as a faith-based institution where spiritual and personal development complement academic preparation. While earnings may not match those of larger secular universities, graduates often value the close relationships with faculty, small class sizes, and community connections that can provide non-financial benefits throughout their careers.
Southwestern Adventist University's affordability varies significantly by family income level, with net prices that reflect its private nonprofit status. Low-income students pay approximately $17,482 annually, while middle-income families face costs around $21,435, and higher-income families pay about $24,537 per year. These prices place the university in the 36th percentile nationally for affordability, meaning costs are somewhat higher than many comparable institutions.
The debt picture requires careful consideration, as typical graduates leave with $26,998 in federal student loan debt, which is substantial relative to the median earnings of $52,946. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $12,400, adding to the total family debt burden. The combination of moderate earnings and significant debt means that financial planning is crucial for families considering this institution. However, the university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, suggesting that graduates generally manage to meet their repayment obligations despite the challenging debt-to-income ratio.
Families should weigh the higher costs against the benefits of small class sizes, personalized attention, and the faith-based educational environment. For students committed to the university's mission and community, the investment may provide value beyond pure financial returns, but careful budgeting and realistic expectations about post-graduation earnings are essential.
Southwestern Adventist University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
