Nelson University ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
Quick answer
USACollegeData.com ROI analysis (College Scorecard data): four years at Nelson University costs about $74,440 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $37,425 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 30.7 years (20-year ROI: -35%).
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$74,440
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$2,425/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
30.7 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
-35%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Nelson University's in-state tuition costs $18,610. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $33,834. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $37,425, and after ten years, earnings reach $46,238. The median debt for graduates is $24,725. Over 63% of students receive financial aid.
The debt-to-income ratio, comparing the median debt to the one-year earnings, is approximately 0.73. To calculate the break-even point, the median debt of $24,725 is divided by the difference between the one-year earnings of $33,834 and the tuition cost of $18,610, resulting in a break-even timeline of approximately 1.6 years.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$18,610
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,725
Median Earnings (5yr)
$37,425
Graduation Rate
39%
Receive Financial Aid
64%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Bible/Biblical Studies | $40,810 | 56% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $44,446 | 154% |
| Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries | $36,756 | -53% |
| Religion/Religious Studies | $0 | N/A |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $47,354 | 232% |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies | $0 | N/A |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $0 | N/A |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology | $0 | N/A |
| Education, General | $42,725 | 108% |
Peer Comparison
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.