Southeastern University
Southeastern University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Southeastern University Worth It?
At a value score of 16/100, Southeastern University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $46,744 — 13% below average — while paying $31,942/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.7-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
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.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Southeastern University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Southeastern University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #25 of 29 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 | Bob Jones University | 45 | $16,641 | $44,354 |
| #2 | Ensign College | 44 | $10,824 | $50,630 |
| #3 | Brigham Young University-Hawaii | 42 | $16,774 | $52,064 |
| #4 | Franciscan University of Steubenville | 40 | $23,589 | $50,030 |
| #5 | Olivet Nazarene University | 39 | $20,729 | $53,213 |
| #6 | William Carey University | 38 | $14,258 | $43,087 |
| #25 | Southeastern University | 16 | $31,942 | $46,744 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Southeastern University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in FL.
Best Programs at Southeastern University
The highest-earning program at Southeastern University is Theology and Religious Vocations, Other at $32,000/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $26,300/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Theology and Religious Vocations, Other graduate from Southeastern University earns $32,000, while a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate earns $26,300. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Theology and Religious Vocations, Other graduates carry $24,510 in median debt vs. $19,500 for Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $31,942/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theology and Religious Vocations, Other | $32,000 | $32,000 | $24,510 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $26,300 | $26,300 | $19,500 |
Similar Colleges in FL
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Lakeland, FL
- Student Body
- 4,813 students
- Admission Rate
- 53%
- Graduation Rate
- 43%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $31,942
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $46,744
- Median Student Debt
- $21,500