Morningside University
Morningside University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Morningside University Worth It?
At a value score of 23/100, Morningside University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $55,494 — 3% above average — while paying $31,320/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.3-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
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.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Morningside University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Morningside University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in IA
Ranked #161 of 205 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 | University of St Francis | 81 | $13,006 | $63,926 |
| #2 | Kalamazoo College | 68 | $19,072 | $65,590 |
| #3 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #4 | Canisius University | 58 | $17,940 | $60,681 |
| #5 | Fresno Pacific University | 57 | $13,630 | $58,896 |
| #6 | Clarkson College | 57 | $19,241 | $64,876 |
| #161 | Morningside University | 23 | $31,320 | $55,494 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Morningside University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 11 in IA.
Best Programs at Morningside University
The highest-earning program at Morningside University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $52,800/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Biology, General at $34,600/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Morningside University earns $52,800, while a Biology, General graduate earns $34,600. 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 $28,000 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Biology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $31,320/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 | $52,800 | $52,800 | $28,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $39,200 | $39,200 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $37,500 | $37,500 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $35,100 | $35,100 | $25,000 |
| Biology, General | $34,600 | $34,600 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in IA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Sioux City, IA
- Student Body
- 1,163 students
- Admission Rate
- 71%
- Graduation Rate
- 52%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $31,320
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $55,494
- Median Student Debt
- $26,028