Southern Wesleyan University
Southern Wesleyan University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Southern Wesleyan University at a Glance
Southern Wesleyan University is a private Christian university in Central, South Carolina, United States. It was founded in 1906 by what is now the Wesleyan Church. The institution is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.
1906
120 years old
1,175
896 undergrad · 279 grad
350 acres
Identity
Is Southern Wesleyan University Worth It?
Southern Wesleyan University offers moderate value at $15,464/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $47,756, which is 11% below average — meaning the financial payoff takes longer than typical. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.3 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 52% 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.
With a 100% 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 $26,000 representing 54% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
How Southern Wesleyan University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #13 of 78 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 |
| #13 | Southern Wesleyan University | 40 | $15,464 | $47,756 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Southern Wesleyan University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in SC.
Best Programs at Southern Wesleyan University
The highest-earning program at Southern Wesleyan University is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $45,200/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Human Services, General at $28,100/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate from Southern Wesleyan University earns $45,200, while a Human Services, General graduate earns $28,100. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Business Administration, Management and Operations graduates carry $30,680 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Human Services, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $15,464/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $45,200 | $45,200 | $30,680 |
| Human Services, General | $28,100 | $28,100 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in SC
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Central, SC
- Student Body
- 747 students
- Admission Rate
- 100%
- Graduation Rate
- 52%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $15,464
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $47,756
- Median Student Debt
- $26,000