Rochester Christian University
Rochester Christian University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Rochester Christian University at a Glance
Rochester Christian University, legally Rochester University from 2019 to 2024, is a private Christian college in Rochester Hills, Michigan, United States. It was founded by members of the Churches of Christ in 1959.
1959
67 years old
1,167
1,140 undergrad · 27 grad
85 acres
Identity
Is Rochester Christian University Worth It?
At a value score of 24/100, Rochester Christian University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $48,707 — 9% below average — while paying $21,456/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.
A 43% 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 a 98% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
With median debt of $24,475 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 Rochester Christian University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Rochester Christian University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in MI
Ranked #59 of 99 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 | College of Biblical Studies-Houston | 100 | $672 | $39,260 |
| #2 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #3 | Albizu University-San Juan | 73 | $9,732 | $41,544 |
| #4 | Waynesburg University | 50 | $18,235 | $58,537 |
| #5 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| #6 | Loras College | 48 | $20,716 | $58,289 |
| #59 | Rochester Christian University | 24 | $21,456 | $48,707 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Rochester Christian University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 3 in MI.
Best Programs at Rochester Christian University
The highest-earning program at Rochester Christian University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $55,100/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Psychology, General at $31,300/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Rochester Christian University earns $55,100, while a Psychology, General graduate earns $31,300. 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 $33,125 in median debt vs. $22,293 for Psychology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $21,456/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 | $55,100 | $55,100 | $33,125 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $34,800 | $34,800 | $23,471 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $32,400 | $32,400 | $24,600 |
| Psychology, General | $31,300 | $31,300 | $22,293 |
Similar Colleges in MI
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Rochester Hills, MI
- Student Body
- 792 students
- Admission Rate
- 98%
- Graduation Rate
- 43%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $21,456
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $48,707
- Median Student Debt
- $24,475