Corban University
Salem, Oregon · Private Nonprofit · 93.9% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 35/100 · Poor Value
Corban University scores 35 (Poor Value) on the CampusROI scale. The payback period of 18.1 years, median 6-year earnings of $33,100, and debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.684 reflect a financially challenging institution. Sticker tuition is $40,280 and net price of $28,035 is high relative to earnings outcomes. Corban is a small evangelical Christian liberal arts university in Salem, Oregon, with 678 students. The completion rate of 60.6% is moderate and the repayment rate of 74.8% is adequate. The Pell grant rate of 25.0% indicates a mix of low- and middle-income students. Program-level data is thin: Business Administration (18 graduates, C+ grade, $42,690 year one) is the strongest earner in the Scorecard data. Theological and Ministerial Studies (13 graduates) reaches $43,303 at year four without a year-one figure. Psychology (7 graduates, D grade) and English (5 graduates, D grade) have weak near-term earnings relative to debt. The institution's ROI reflects a pattern common among small religious liberal arts colleges: moderate completion, moderate earnings, high sticker price that aid does not adequately offset. Corban attracts students seeking a faith-integrated liberal arts education rather than ROI optimization.
The data raises concerns about Corban University
These metrics fall below the thresholds most financial advisors recommend for a sound college investment. Review them carefully before committing.
- ROI Score35/100 - Poor Value tier (below 45). Most 4-year schools we track score 60 or higher.
- Payback period18.1 years - Most 4-year schools we track have payback periods of 4-10 years.
Corban University
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $40,280/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $40,280/yr |
| Average net price | $28,035/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $112,140 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,917 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $33,100 |
| Median debt at graduation | $22,625 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $240 |
| Estimated payback period | 18.1 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 60.6% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 678 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Corban University is $40,280/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $28,035/year, or roughly $112,140 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $20,555/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $33,015/year.
The median graduate leaves with $22,625 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $240 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $48,917 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.68 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $20,555 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,018 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,737 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $31,227 |
| $110,001+ | $33,015 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
The 0-30000 income bracket pays $20,555 per year. Against $33,100 median 6-year earnings and an 18.1-year payback, the financial case is difficult at any income level. Low-income students at Corban face the same structural challenge as higher-income students: the earnings outcomes are insufficient to justify the net cost relative to public university alternatives in Oregon.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The 48001-75000 bracket pays $22,737 and the 75001-110000 bracket pays $31,227. The jump to $31,227 is steep for upper-middle-income families who are paying close to full cost. Against $33,100 median earnings, middle-income families at the higher bracket are paying nearly full cost for outcomes that a public Oregon institution could deliver at lower price.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
The 110001-plus bracket pays $33,015 per year. At roughly $132,000 over four years, this is a poor financial investment by Scorecard metrics alone. High-income families choosing Corban are prioritizing religious community, faith formation, and Pacific Northwest evangelical culture over financial optimization -- which is a legitimate choice that these metrics cannot measure.
Earnings by Major
Top 6 most popular majors at Corban University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $60,719 | C+ |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies | $43,303 | - |
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General | $48,080 | C+ |
| Psychology | $47,815 | D |
| English Language and Literature | $36,779 | D |
| Education, General | $42,243 | C |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Business Administration, Management, and Operations
Business Administration (18 graduates) is the strongest documented earner: $42,690 year one and $60,719 at year four, with a C+ grade (debt-to-earnings 0.504, median debt $21,500). These are adequate earnings for a small Pacific Northwest private but the debt ratio reflects a moderate financial burden. The four-year jump to $60k is encouraging and consistent with career advancement in regional Oregon business roles.
Theological and Ministerial Studies
Theological and Ministerial Studies (13 graduates) reaches $43,303 at year four (no year-one figure). Scorecard does not report a debt-to-earnings ratio or ROI grade for this program. Ministry-focused graduates enter pastoral, para-church, and mission work where earnings are structurally limited. The four-year figure suggests some graduates move into nonprofit administration or educational roles with above-average ministerial compensation.
Psychology
Psychology (7 graduates) earns $32,244 year one and $47,815 at year four, with a D grade (debt-to-earnings 0.713, median debt $23,000). Year-one earnings are weak relative to the $23,000 debt. Most psychology bachelor's graduates here will need graduate school for meaningful career advancement, adding to an already high debt starting point.
English Language and Literature
English Language and Literature (5 graduates) earns $28,836 year one and $36,779 at year four, with a D grade (debt-to-earnings 0.936, median debt $27,000). Year-four earnings of $36,779 are barely above the annual debt amount at year one. The earnings trajectory is flat and the debt-to-earnings ratio is poor. English at a small private with open admissions and limited career services is a financially high-risk choice.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 76.8% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 74.8% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 74.8% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 79.4% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 93.9% |
| Enrollment | 678 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 25.0% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $6,449 |
Corban's 93.9% admission rate indicates open access for students who meet its religious requirements. Scorecard does not report test score ranges. Admission is not a meaningful academic or competitive barrier; religious alignment with Corban's evangelical Christian doctrinal position is the primary enrollment criterion.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
Scorecard peers include New Hope Christian College, George Fox University, Ohio Dominican University, and Ozark Christian College. Corban's ROI of 35 is consistent with small evangelical Christian institutions in this batch. George Fox University (a Quaker institution with a somewhat broader program mix) typically shows stronger outcomes. Among the faith-based institutions in this dataset -- Corban (35), Moody (36), Mission University (15) -- all score in the Poor Value range, reflecting the sector-wide earnings depression from ministry-oriented programs and limited career-placement infrastructure.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corban University (this school) | 35 | $28,035 | $48,917 |
| Evangel University | 35 | $18,669 | $46,573 |
| Rocky Mountain College | 35 | $19,751 | $49,036 |
| Colorado Christian University | 34 | $29,500 | $50,416 |
| William Carey University | 34 | $14,258 | $43,087 |
| Lancaster Bible College | 34 | $25,480 | $44,096 |
Who Thrives Here
Corban admits 93.9% of applicants -- essentially open access for students who affirm its evangelical Christian Statement of Faith. Scorecard does not report test score ranges. Enrollment of 678 is very small. The student body is predominantly drawn from the Pacific Northwest evangelical Christian community. Students who value faith integration, small-community residential learning, and proximity to Salem/Portland are the natural fit. Students who expect the credential to drive high-earning employment directly from a bachelor's degree will find the Scorecard data discouraging. Average faculty salary of $6,449 per month is low, suggesting constrained academic resources.
The Verdict: The Numbers Don't Add Up
The financial data raises serious concerns about Corban University. With a net cost of $28,035 per year and median graduate earnings of only $48,917 ten years out, the estimated payback period exceeds 18.1 years. For most students, the financial return does not justify the cost.
Areas of concern include weak earnings relative to cost and high debt relative to what graduates earn and a long payback period.
Median debt of $22,625 against $48,917 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.