Sullivan University
Sullivan University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Sullivan University Worth It?
At a value score of 21/100, Sullivan University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $38,008 — 29% below average — while paying $25,532/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 56% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 6 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $20,000 representing 53% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Sullivan University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Sullivan University compares to peer for-profit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #6 of 25 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 | Strayer University-Florida | 62 | $16,064 | $40,092 |
| #2 | Southwest University at El Paso | 27 | $16,906 | $29,648 |
| #3 | Plaza College | 26 | $19,860 | $31,519 |
| #4 | Arizona College of Nursing-Tempe | 24 | $31,681 | $34,657 |
| #5 | Arizona College of Nursing-Las Vegas | 23 | $30,921 | $34,657 |
| #6 | Sullivan University | 21 | $25,532 | $38,008 |
Peer group: for-profit colleges within ±60% of Sullivan University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Sullivan University
The highest-earning program at Sullivan University is Computer and Information Sciences, General at $50,900/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Public Health at $33,800/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Computer and Information Sciences, General graduate from Sullivan University earns $50,900, while a Public Health graduate earns $33,800. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $25,532/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $50,900 | $50,900 | $37,764 |
| Business/Commerce, General | $44,100 | $44,100 | $31,208 |
| Human Resources Management and Services | $43,900 | $43,900 | $33,708 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $41,200 | $41,200 | $35,084 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $38,100 | $38,100 | $42,121 |
| Hospitality Administration/Management | $37,200 | $37,200 | N/A |
| Public Health | $33,800 | $33,800 | N/A |
Similar Colleges in KY
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- for-profit
- Location
- Louisville, KY
- Student Body
- 2,026 students
- Graduation Rate
- 56%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $25,532
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $38,008
- Median Student Debt
- $20,000