Southern Nazarene University
Southern Nazarene University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Southern Nazarene University at a Glance
Southern Nazarene University (SNU) is a private Nazarene university in Bethany, Oklahoma, United States.
1899
127 years old
$59M
$59.1 million (2024)
2,110
1,656 undergrad · 454 grad
200 acres
Identity
Is Southern Nazarene University Worth It?
At a value score of 31/100, Southern Nazarene University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $54,951 — 2% above average — while paying $22,084/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.6 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 50% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 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 Southern Nazarene University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Southern Nazarene University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in OK
Ranked #260 of 459 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 | Berea College | 100 | $6,106 | $43,150 |
| #2 | College of the Ozarks | 100 | $6,100 | $41,592 |
| #3 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #4 | University of St Francis | 81 | $13,006 | $63,926 |
| #5 | Christian Brothers University | 81 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| #6 | Grinnell College | 78 | $17,648 | $62,830 |
| #260 | Southern Nazarene University | 31 | $22,084 | $54,951 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Southern Nazarene University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 5 in OK.
Best Programs at Southern Nazarene University
The highest-earning program at Southern Nazarene University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $55,400/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services at $29,600/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Southern Nazarene University earns $55,400, while a Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services graduate earns $29,600. 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 $21,500 in median debt vs. $18,750 for Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $22,084/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 | $55,400 | $55,400 | $21,500 |
| Human Resources Management and Services | $51,200 | $51,200 | $18,750 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $47,400 | $47,400 | $18,750 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services | $29,600 | $29,600 | $18,750 |
Similar Colleges in OK
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Bethany, OK
- Student Body
- 1,455 students
- Graduation Rate
- 50%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $22,084
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $54,951
- Median Student Debt
- $21,900