Nelson University's published cost of attendance is $34,504. Need-based aid reshapes that figure across income levels: low-income families pay approximately $17,583, middle-income families pay around $21,731, and higher-income families pay approximately $25,474.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $34,504 |
| Tuition and Fees | $25,064 |
| Room and Board | $9,598 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,434 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$12,842 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $21,662 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $17,583 |
| $30–48k | $18,396 |
| $48–75k | $21,731 |
| $75–110k | $23,883 |
| $110k+ | $25,474 |
Nelson University's published cost of attendance is $34,504. Need-based aid reshapes that figure across income levels: low-income families pay approximately $17,583, middle-income families pay around $21,731, and higher-income families pay approximately $25,474. Azimuth ranks Nelson University #801 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. Net prices by income band are medians within those bands; individual aid packages vary, so some families in each band pay more and some less than the figures shown. Nelson University participates in federal (Pell Grants, Direct Loans), state, and institutional aid programs. Families apply for need-based aid using the FAFSA and CSS Profile. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $24,725, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $20,475; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the Parent PLUS risk framework for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For the typical graduate at Nelson University's median four-year earnings of $46,199, median federal debt of $24,725 projects to a monthly payment of about $279 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use Azimuth's Financial GPS tool.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is moderate relative to earnings. Manageable for most graduates, but higher-debt borrowers should plan carefully.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Graduates of Nelson University earn median 4-year earnings of $46,199, placing the institution in the 3.3 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn about $6,599 less than similar students at comparable institutions, placing Nelson University in the 30.5 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. Azimuth ranks Nelson University #1271 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. The earnings pattern reflects Nelson University's concentration in theology and religious studies. Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries is the largest program with 61 graduates earning median 4-year earnings of $39,707, representing 0.9x the national benchmark for the field. The Business Administration program graduates 25 students with median 4-year earnings of $52,229, while General Studies and Human Services, General round out the institution's primary academic portfolio. This focused program mix — anchored in Theology — shapes both the earnings trajectory and the career pathways available to Nelson University graduates, with outcomes reflecting the labor-market dynamics of faith-based and educational sectors.
