Mount Vernon Nazarene University
Mount Vernon Nazarene University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Mount Vernon Nazarene University at a Glance
Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU) is a private Christian university in Mount Vernon, Ohio, United States, with satellite locations in the surrounding area. It was founded in 1968 by the Church of the Nazarene and offers a variety of bachelor's and master's degrees.
1968
58 years old
$27M
$26.8 million
1,941
1,628 undergrad · 313 grad
Identity
Is Mount Vernon Nazarene University Worth It?
At a value score of 36/100, Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $49,555 — 8% below average — while paying $22,421/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.8 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 66% graduation rate means roughly 34% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
With median debt of $25,000 representing 50% 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 Mount Vernon Nazarene University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Mount Vernon Nazarene University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in OH
Ranked #59 of 155 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 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #2 | Christian Brothers University | 81 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| #3 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #4 | Saint Peter's University | 72 | $12,199 | $57,815 |
| #5 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #6 | Goldey-Beacom College | 56 | $15,554 | $59,892 |
| #59 | Mount Vernon Nazarene University | 36 | $22,421 | $49,555 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Mount Vernon Nazarene University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 7 in OH.
Best Programs at Mount Vernon Nazarene University
The highest-earning program at Mount Vernon Nazarene University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $55,700/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at $28,300/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Mount Vernon Nazarene University earns $55,700, while a Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods graduate earns $28,300. 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. $22,606 for Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $22,421/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 | $55,700 | $55,700 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $45,500 | $45,500 | $23,718 |
| Social Work | $28,900 | $28,900 | $25,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $28,300 | $28,300 | $22,606 |
Similar Colleges in OH
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Mount Vernon, OH
- Student Body
- 1,358 students
- Admission Rate
- 84%
- Graduation Rate
- 66%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $22,421
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $49,555
- Median Student Debt
- $25,000