MidAmerica Nazarene University
MidAmerica Nazarene University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
MidAmerica Nazarene University at a Glance
MidAmerica Nazarene University (MNU) is a private Nazarene university in Olathe, Kansas, United States. It was established in 1966.
1966
60 years old
1,500
1,000 undergrad · 500 grad
Identity
Is MidAmerica Nazarene University Worth It?
At a value score of 24/100, MidAmerica Nazarene University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $62,972 — 17% above average — while paying $32,165/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 49% 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.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at MidAmerica Nazarene University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How MidAmerica Nazarene University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in KS
Ranked #81 of 105 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 | Mount Carmel College of Nursing | 100 | $10,420 | $75,103 |
| #2 | Christian Brothers University | 81 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| #3 | Baptist Health Sciences University | 75 | $11,212 | $72,529 |
| #4 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #5 | Clarkson College | 57 | $19,241 | $64,876 |
| #6 | Goldey-Beacom College | 56 | $15,554 | $59,892 |
| #81 | MidAmerica Nazarene University | 24 | $32,165 | $62,972 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of MidAmerica Nazarene University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 6 in KS.
Best Programs at MidAmerica Nazarene University
The highest-earning program at MidAmerica Nazarene University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $58,400/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas at $37,100/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from MidAmerica Nazarene University earns $58,400, while a Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas graduate earns $37,100. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $32,165/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 | $58,400 | $58,400 | $15,750 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $47,600 | $47,600 | $15,625 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $37,100 | $37,100 | N/A |
Similar Colleges in KS
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Olathe, KS
- Student Body
- 983 students
- Admission Rate
- 79%
- Graduation Rate
- 49%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $32,165
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $62,972
- Median Student Debt
- $15,000