Warner University provides meaningful educational access for students who might not otherwise attend college, particularly first-generation and Pell-eligible students seeking affordable pathways to higher education.
Graduates achieve modest but solid outcomes, earning more than expected given the institution's resources and student population.
Warner University is a small private nonprofit institution in Lake Wales, Florida, that serves students who might not otherwise have access to higher education. With over half of students receiving Pell Grants and 43% being first-generation college students, Warner opens its doors widely to students from diverse economic backgrounds. The university maintains affordable net prices across income levels, with low-income students paying around $19,182 annually and middle-income families seeing costs of about $21,487.
While Warner's graduates earn modest incomes compared to national averages—with median 10-year earnings of $46,086—the institution provides meaningful value through its accessibility and supportive environment. The university falls into the "Under-Resourced Institutions" mobility category, reflecting its strong commitment to access combined with more limited financial outcomes. Warner's small size allows for personalized attention and close faculty relationships that many students value highly.
For families prioritizing affordability and access over maximum earning potential, Warner University offers a pathway to higher education that might not otherwise be available. The institution's focus on serving first-generation and low-income students, combined with reasonable debt levels and a supportive campus community, makes it a viable option for students seeking educational opportunity in a nurturing environment.
Warner University's program portfolio reflects its mission of providing practical, career-focused education to a diverse student body. Business Administration and Management stands out as both the most popular and highest-returning program, with 37 graduates earning a median of $41,937 ten years after graduation. This program represents Warner's strength in preparing students for management and entrepreneurial roles in the regional economy.
Adult and Continuing Education, with 35 graduates, demonstrates Warner's commitment to serving non-traditional students and working adults seeking career advancement. While median earnings of $36,627 are more modest, this program fills an important niche for students balancing education with work and family responsibilities. Exercise Science and Kinesiology, despite having 24 graduates, shows lower earnings at $22,920, reflecting the challenges in fields that often require additional certification or graduate education.
Warner's program mix emphasizes accessibility and practical application over maximum earning potential. The university focuses on fields that provide stable employment opportunities in the regional market, particularly in business, education, and health-related areas. This approach aligns with Warner's mission of serving first-generation and working-class students who seek reliable pathways to career advancement rather than high-risk, high-reward professional tracks.
Warner University graduates achieve modest but meaningful financial outcomes, with median earnings of $46,086 ten years after enrollment. While this places the institution in the lower portion of national earnings distributions, graduates do see some earnings beyond expectations—about $6,778 more than similar students at comparable institutions. This suggests that Warner provides solid value within its peer group, even if absolute earnings levels remain moderate.
The university's program mix reflects its focus on practical, career-oriented fields. Business Administration and Management leads both in enrollment and aggregate return, with 37 graduates earning a median of $41,937 ten years out. Adult and Continuing Education represents the largest program by footprint with 35 graduates, while Exercise Science and Kinesiology, despite having 24 graduates, shows lower median earnings at $22,920. These programs align with Warner's mission of serving working adults and students seeking accessible career preparation.
Warner's financial outcomes must be understood in context—this is an institution that prioritizes access and affordability over maximum earning potential. For students who might not otherwise attend college, the university provides a pathway to stable employment and modest but meaningful economic advancement. The earnings beyond expectations suggest that Warner delivers solid value for the students it serves, even within a more constrained financial framework.
Warner University maintains strong affordability across income levels, making higher education accessible to families who might struggle with costs elsewhere. Low-income students pay approximately $19,182 per year, while middle-income families see annual costs around $21,487—both figures representing reasonable investments for a private institution. Even high-income families pay a manageable $25,429 annually, reflecting Warner's commitment to keeping education accessible across economic backgrounds.
Debt levels at Warner are generally reasonable given the institution's student population and outcomes. Typical graduates leave with about $22,250 in federal student loan debt, a moderate amount that aligns with the university's affordable pricing structure. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $13,397, suggesting that families often contribute directly to educational costs while keeping student debt manageable. The combination of affordable net prices and reasonable debt levels creates a sustainable financial model for most Warner families.
What makes Warner particularly accessible is how its pricing structure serves students who might not have other college options. With over half of students receiving Pell Grants and many being first-generation college students, the university's affordability model specifically supports populations that often face the greatest financial barriers to higher education. This approach ensures that cost doesn't prevent motivated students from pursuing their educational goals.
Warner University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
