Emmaus Bible College
Emmaus Bible College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Emmaus Bible College at a Glance
Emmaus University is a private Christian university in Dubuque, Iowa, United States, affiliated with the Plymouth Brethren. In keeping with its background as a Bible college, it offers double majors in both professional and biblical studies.
1941
85 years old
198
Identity
Is Emmaus Bible College Worth It?
Emmaus Bible College delivers solid financial returns for its graduates. At $13,186/year, it's priced 35% below average, while graduates go on to earn $42,631 — near the national average.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.2 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 82% graduation rate means roughly 18% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How Emmaus Bible College compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #3 of 30 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 | Humphreys University | 100 | $5,524 | $39,248 |
| #2 | Kehilath Yakov Rabbinical Seminary | 100 | $3,822 | $36,442 |
| #3 | Emmaus Bible College | 66 | $13,186 | $42,631 |
| #4 | Yeshiva Gedolah Imrei Yosef D'spinka | 52 | $5,646 | $36,545 |
| #5 | University of Fort Lauderdale | 48 | $19,965 | $38,062 |
| #6 | Hobe Sound Bible College | 45 | $12,074 | $39,863 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Emmaus Bible College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Emmaus Bible College
Program-level earnings data isn't available for Emmaus Bible College. When evaluating whether to attend, research outcomes for your specific major using the Department of Education's College Scorecard or ask the admissions office for placement rates.
As a general rule: STEM, nursing, accounting, and computer science programs tend to deliver the strongest ROI regardless of institution. Humanities and arts programs can still be worthwhile, but require more intentional career planning to achieve financial payoff.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $13,186/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
Similar Colleges in IA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Dubuque, IA
- Student Body
- 224 students
- Admission Rate
- 60%
- Graduation Rate
- 82%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $13,186
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $42,631