Southern Nazarene University's published cost of attendance totals $41,972 annually, including $29,600 in tuition, $9,560 for room and board, and $1,540 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $17,838 after financial aid, representing $24,134 in average financial aid savings.
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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) | $41,972 |
| Tuition and Fees | $29,600 |
| Room and Board | $9,560 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,540 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$24,134 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $17,838 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $15,195 |
| $30–48k | $15,470 |
| $48–75k | $19,579 |
| $75–110k | $23,086 |
| $110k+ | $24,765 |
Southern Nazarene University's published cost of attendance totals $41,972 annually, including $29,600 in tuition, $9,560 for room and board, and $1,540 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $17,838 after financial aid, representing $24,134 in average financial aid savings. This net price falls $3,974 below the peer median of $21,812, indicating more affordable access compared to similar private nonprofit institutions. The university's financial aid strategy targets support across income levels, with net prices ranging from $15,195 for families earning under $30,000 to $24,765 for those earning over $110,000.
This progressive pricing structure reflects the institution's commitment to serving diverse student populations, including 45.4% Pell-eligible students. The $9,570 gap between the lowest and highest income tiers demonstrates substantial aid concentration toward lower-income families while maintaining accessibility for middle-income students.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Southern Nazarene University graduates carry median debt of $21,900, which falls $3,100 below the peer median of $25,000. Debt distribution ranges from $8,733 at the 25th percentile to $23,500 at the 75th percentile, indicating controlled borrowing patterns across the student body.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 suggests manageable repayment obligations relative to post-graduation income levels. Parent PLUS loans show a median debt of $11,985 with monthly payments of $158, reflecting additional family borrowing patterns. The university's debt performance ranks at the 57th percentile nationally, indicating above-average debt management compared to all four-year institutions.
Combined with median earnings of $54,951, the $21,900 typical debt load creates sustainable repayment conditions. The controlled debt levels, falling below peer medians, support the university's affordability profile and contribute to positive long-term financial outcomes for graduates across diverse program areas.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Southern Nazarene University delivers strong return on investment through the combination of controlled costs and earnings that exceed expectations. Graduates earn $5,938 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 76.9th percentile nationally for this value-added measure.
Median earnings of $54,951 exceed the peer median by $4,539 annually, while debt levels remain $3,100 below peer averages. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 indicates sustainable repayment conditions, with typical debt representing less than half of annual earnings. The university's return index ranks at the 81.4th percentile with well above average performance, reflecting strong outcomes relative to educational investment.
Net prices below peer medians combined with earnings beyond expectations create favorable conditions for long-term financial stability. This investment profile supports the university's positioning as an institution that delivers positive economic outcomes while maintaining accessibility for students from diverse backgrounds, particularly the 45.4% who are Pell-eligible.
Southern Nazarene University's financial aid approach reflects its mission to serve diverse student populations, with 45.4% of students receiving Pell grants compared to national averages. The $24,134 average financial aid savings reduces the published cost by 57.5%, indicating substantial institutional commitment to affordability.
Net prices by income demonstrate progressive aid distribution, with the lowest-income families receiving aid that brings their net cost to $15,195, while higher-income families pay closer to published rates. The university's net price of $17,838 falls below the peer median of $21,812, positioning Southern Nazarene favorably among similar private nonprofit institutions. This pricing advantage, combined with the institution's 38.0% first-generation student share and 26.7% transfer student population, demonstrates accessibility for students from diverse educational and economic backgrounds.
The aid structure supports the university's role as an Opportunity Builder institution that emphasizes educational access alongside positive economic outcomes.
