Southwestern College
Southwestern College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Southwestern College Worth It?
At a value score of 16/100, Southwestern College is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $55,646 — 3% above average — while paying $29,824/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.1-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
A 35% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 3 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 Southwestern College has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Southwestern College compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in KS
Ranked #163 of 177 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 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #2 | Kalamazoo College | 68 | $19,072 | $65,590 |
| #3 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #4 | Clarkson College | 57 | $19,241 | $64,876 |
| #5 | Goldey-Beacom College | 56 | $15,554 | $59,892 |
| #6 | Goshen College | 56 | $14,493 | $51,943 |
| #163 | Southwestern College | 16 | $29,824 | $55,646 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Southwestern College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 6 in KS.
Best Programs at Southwestern College
The highest-earning program at Southwestern College is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $46,600/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at $36,300/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate from Southwestern College earns $46,600, while a Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods graduate earns $36,300. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Business Administration, Management and Operations graduates carry $23,250 in median debt vs. $32,800 for Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $29,824/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 | $46,600 | $46,600 | $23,250 |
| Human Resources Management and Services | $44,900 | $44,900 | N/A |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $36,300 | $36,300 | $32,800 |
Similar Colleges in KS
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Winfield, KS
- Student Body
- 924 students
- Admission Rate
- 76%
- Graduation Rate
- 35%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $29,824
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $55,646
- Median Student Debt
- $25,000