Anderson University
Anderson University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Anderson University at a Glance
Anderson University is a private Christian university in Anderson, Indiana, United States. It is affiliated with the Church of God. The university offers more than 60 undergraduate majors as well as graduate programs in business, music, and theology.
1917
109 years old
$28M
$27.9 million
1,567
1,311 undergrad
106
100 acres
Identity
Is Anderson University Worth It?
At a value score of 25/100, Anderson University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $48,899 — 9% below average — while paying $25,021/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 2 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 52% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $27,000 representing 55% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Anderson University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Anderson University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in IN
Ranked #87 of 137 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Christian Brothers University | 81 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| #2 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #3 | Canisius University | 58 | $17,940 | $60,681 |
| #4 | Goldey-Beacom College | 56 | $15,554 | $59,892 |
| #5 | Ursuline College | 53 | $16,164 | $56,878 |
| #6 | University of Evansville | 49 | $18,499 | $53,770 |
| #87 | Anderson University | 25 | $25,021 | $48,899 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Anderson University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 8 in IN.
Best Programs at Anderson University
The highest-earning program at Anderson University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $54,500/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at $24,600/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Anderson University earns $54,500, while a Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities graduate earns $24,600. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $27,000 in median debt vs. $31,259 for Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $25,021/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $54,500 | $54,500 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $38,300 | $38,300 | $26,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $37,000 | $37,000 | $30,456 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $36,800 | $36,800 | $27,000 |
| Marketing | $35,100 | $35,100 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General | $26,000 | $26,000 | $26,500 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $24,600 | $24,600 | $31,259 |
Similar Colleges in IN
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Anderson, IN
- Student Body
- 1,057 students
- Admission Rate
- 79%
- Graduation Rate
- 52%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $25,021
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $48,899
- Median Student Debt
- $27,000