Siena Heights University
Siena Heights University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Siena Heights University at a Glance
Siena Heights University (SHU) was a private Catholic university in Adrian, Michigan, United States. It was founded by the Adrian Dominican Sisters in 1919. The university closed at the end of the 2025–2026 academic year.
Identity
Is Siena Heights University Worth It?
At a value score of 37/100, Siena Heights University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $57,529 — 7% above average — while paying $17,124/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.2 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 45% 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.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Siena Heights University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Siena Heights University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in MI
Ranked #20 of 93 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 | Canisius University | 58 | $17,940 | $60,681 |
| #2 | Fresno Pacific University | 57 | $13,630 | $58,896 |
| #3 | Clarkson College | 57 | $19,241 | $64,876 |
| #4 | North Park University | 50 | $16,948 | $59,572 |
| #5 | University of Evansville | 49 | $18,499 | $53,770 |
| #6 | Madonna University | 49 | $17,755 | $59,058 |
| #20 | Siena Heights University | 37 | $17,124 | $57,529 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Siena Heights University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 6 in MI.
Best Programs at Siena Heights University
The highest-earning program at Siena Heights University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $62,400/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Accounting and Related Services at $36,500/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Siena Heights University earns $62,400, while a Accounting and Related Services graduate earns $36,500. 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 $18,665 in median debt vs. $17,250 for Accounting and Related Services.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $17,124/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 | $62,400 | $62,400 | $18,665 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | $59,500 | $59,500 | $16,930 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $46,500 | $46,500 | $18,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $37,000 | $37,000 | $17,285 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $36,500 | $36,500 | $17,250 |
Similar Colleges in MI
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Adrian, MI
- Student Body
- 1,495 students
- Admission Rate
- 69%
- Graduation Rate
- 45%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $17,124
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $57,529
- Median Student Debt
- $18,750