Students at Quincy University benefit from a supportive small-college environment where Pell Grant recipients actually graduate at higher rates than the overall student body.
The university's nursing program stands out for delivering solid earnings and career stability within an intimate campus setting that prioritizes personal development.
Quincy University is a small private nonprofit institution in Illinois that serves students seeking a personalized college experience with moderate financial outcomes. While the university doesn't rank among the top performers nationally for earnings or access metrics, it offers a distinctive small-college environment with particularly strong outcomes in nursing and health sciences. About 30% of students receive Pell Grants and 33% are first-generation college students, reflecting a commitment to serving diverse backgrounds within its intimate campus setting.
Graduates earn a median of $50,369 ten years after enrollment, which places the institution around the 42nd percentile nationally for earnings outcomes. The university's strength lies in specific professional programs, especially nursing, where graduates see significantly higher earnings than the institutional average. As an "Opportunity Builders" institution, Quincy focuses on providing access and support to students who might not otherwise attend college, though mobility outcomes remain modest compared to larger research universities.
For students who thrive in small classroom settings and value close faculty relationships, Quincy University offers a traditional liberal arts college experience with solid career preparation in select fields. The university's approach emphasizes personal development and community engagement alongside academic preparation, making it a good fit for students who prioritize the college experience itself as much as post-graduation outcomes.
Quincy University's program portfolio reflects a focused approach to career preparation, with particular strength in health sciences and nursing. The Adult Health Nursing program stands out as both the highest-earning and most reliable pathway, graduating 41 students annually with median earnings of $55,964. This program represents the university's strongest return on investment and most direct route to stable, well-compensated careers.
Biology serves as the university's largest program with 25 graduates, though earnings outcomes are more modest at around $33,993. Exercise Science and Kinesiology, with 21 graduates, shows similar earnings patterns. The concentration in health-related fields reflects Quincy's practical approach to undergraduate education, preparing students for careers in growing sectors with clear employment pathways.
The relatively small program scale means fewer total graduates in each field compared to larger universities, but this also enables more personalized attention and mentorship. For students interested in nursing or health sciences, Quincy provides a supportive environment with solid career outcomes. However, the limited program diversity means students outside these core areas may find fewer specialized options and more modest earning potential.
Quincy University graduates achieve moderate long-term earnings, with a median of $50,369 ten years after enrollment. This places the institution around the 42nd percentile nationally, indicating typical performance among similar colleges. While overall earnings are modest, the university shows particular strength in nursing and health sciences, where graduates significantly outperform the institutional average and enter stable, well-compensated careers.
The strongest financial outcomes come from the university's nursing program, which graduates about 41 students annually with median earnings of $55,964 ten years out. This represents both the highest aggregate return and most reliable career pathway at Quincy. Biology majors, the largest program with 25 graduates, earn around $33,993, while Exercise Science and Kinesiology students see similar earnings levels. The concentration in health-related fields reflects the university's practical approach to career preparation, though earnings vary significantly by program choice.
For students entering nursing or related health fields, Quincy provides a clear path to stable, above-average earnings. However, students in other majors should expect more modest financial returns, making program selection particularly important for those prioritizing long-term earning potential. The small program scale means fewer total high earners compared to larger institutions, but individual students in the right programs can achieve solid career outcomes.
Quincy University's private college pricing reflects typical patterns for small nonprofit institutions, with net prices varying significantly by family income level. Low-income students pay about $11,549 annually after aid, which is competitive for a private college and places the university around the 51st percentile nationally for affordability. Middle-income families see net prices around $15,110, while higher-income families pay approximately $20,306 per year.
The university's financial aid approach helps make private education accessible to students from diverse economic backgrounds. With nearly 30% of students receiving Pell Grants, Quincy demonstrates a commitment to serving lower-income students through substantial grant aid that reduces sticker price significantly. The aid structure appears designed to compete with public university pricing for students who qualify for need-based assistance.
Debt levels are manageable for most graduates, with typical federal student loan debt of $24,000 and Parent PLUS borrowing averaging $15,736. Given the university's median earnings of around $50,369, most graduates can handle standard repayment without significant financial strain. The combination of moderate debt levels and predictable earnings makes Quincy a financially sustainable choice for families seeking a private college experience without excessive borrowing.
Quincy University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
