Nelson University
Nelson University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Nelson University at a Glance
Nelson University, formerly Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU), is a private Christian university in Waxahachie, Texas, United States. Nelson is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and endorsed by the Assemblies of God USA. The university offers associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in liberal arts programs as well as programs in Bible and church ministries.
Is Nelson University Worth It?
At a value score of 21/100, Nelson University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $46,238 — 14% below average — while paying $21,662/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.9 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 39% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 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 $24,725 representing 53% 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 Nelson University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Nelson University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in TX
Ranked #76 of 102 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 | Goshen College | 56 | $14,493 | $51,943 |
| #2 | College of Our Lady of the Elms | 49 | $17,545 | $51,540 |
| #3 | Aquinas College | 48 | $16,626 | $49,584 |
| #4 | Bob Jones University | 45 | $16,641 | $44,354 |
| #5 | University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne | 44 | $18,196 | $55,362 |
| #6 | Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus | 44 | $22,829 | $57,273 |
| #76 | Nelson University | 21 | $21,662 | $46,238 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Nelson University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 4 in TX.
Best Programs at Nelson University
The highest-earning program at Nelson University is Education, General at $36,100/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries at $21,600/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Education, General graduate from Nelson University earns $36,100, while a Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries graduate earns $21,600. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Education, General graduates carry $22,727 in median debt vs. $23,500 for Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $21,662/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education, General | $36,100 | $36,100 | $22,727 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $31,600 | $31,600 | $23,250 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $29,400 | $29,400 | $28,375 |
| Bible/Biblical Studies | $25,400 | $25,400 | N/A |
| Religious Education | $23,900 | $23,900 | $31,500 |
| Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries | $21,600 | $21,600 | $23,500 |
Similar Colleges in TX
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Waxahachie, TX
- Student Body
- 1,479 students
- Admission Rate
- 89%
- Graduation Rate
- 39%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $21,662
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $46,238
- Median Student Debt
- $24,725