Jarvis Christian University
Jarvis Christian University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Jarvis Christian University at a Glance
Jarvis Christian University (JCU) is a private historically black Christian college in Wood County, Texas. It was founded in 1912. It had a total undergraduate enrollment of 867 in the fall of 2019. During the 2022–2023 academic year, Jarvis Christian College was renamed Jarvis Christian University and it began offering graduate programs the following year.
Is Jarvis Christian University Worth It?
At a value score of 13/100, Jarvis Christian University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $32,992 — 39% below average — while paying $9,825/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.2 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 15% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 2 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 82% 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 Jarvis Christian University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Jarvis Christian University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in TX
Ranked #66 of 93 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 | Turtle Mountain College | 100 | $3,428 | $32,079 |
| #2 | College of Biblical Studies-Houston | 100 | $672 | $39,260 |
| #3 | Hallmark University | 54 | $12,513 | $40,183 |
| #4 | United Tribes Technical College | 49 | $3,569 | $25,292 |
| #5 | University of Fort Lauderdale | 48 | $19,965 | $38,062 |
| #6 | Universidad Central de Bayamon | 47 | $4,827 | $25,021 |
| #66 | Jarvis Christian University | 13 | $9,825 | $32,992 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Jarvis Christian University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 5 in TX.
Best Programs at Jarvis Christian University
The highest-earning program at Jarvis Christian University is Health and Physical Education/Fitness at $22,500/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $20,500/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Health and Physical Education/Fitness graduate from Jarvis Christian University earns $22,500, while a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate earns $20,500. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Health and Physical Education/Fitness graduates carry $22,500 in median debt vs. $36,492 for Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $9,825/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $22,500 | $22,500 | $22,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $20,500 | $20,500 | $36,492 |
Similar Colleges in TX
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Hawkins, TX
- Student Body
- 577 students
- Graduation Rate
- 15%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $9,825
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $32,992
- Median Student Debt
- $27,000