John Brown University
Siloam Springs, Arkansas · Private Nonprofit · 76.1% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 64/100 · Fair Value
John Brown University scores 64 (Fair Value) on the CampusROI scale -- a middling result for a private Christian university in northwest Arkansas with $31,756 sticker tuition. The 71.8% completion rate is solid. Repayment rate of 82.4% is good. The primary weakness is earnings: $45,300 median 6-year earnings and an 11.7-year payback period against a $20,397 net price. Debt-to-earnings of 0.469 is moderate. Top programs include Engineering, General (no graduates reported but $67,911 year-one and $90,783 at year four, B grade) and Registered Nursing ($67,343 year-one, 22 graduates, B grade). Construction Management reports $73,249 year-one (11 graduates, data incomplete). Business Administration shows $54,982 year-one and $70,720 at year four (C+ grade, 13 graduates). The program mix reflects JBU's Christian liberal arts identity combined with professional programs. The 23.7% Pell grant rate reflects a student body with moderate financial need. JBU is in Siloam Springs, Arkansas -- adjacent to the Bentonville/Northwest Arkansas corridor that hosts Walmart HQ and a growing technology sector, which provides regional career opportunities not fully reflected in national comparisons.
John Brown University
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $31,756/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $31,756/yr |
| Average net price | $20,397/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $81,588 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $53,907 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $45,300 |
| Median debt at graduation | $21,250 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $225 |
| Estimated payback period | 11.7 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 71.8% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 1,471 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at John Brown University is $31,756/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $20,397/year, or roughly $81,588 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $17,484/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $24,627/year.
The median graduate leaves with $21,250 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $225 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $53,907 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.47 - well within manageable territory.
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 | $17,484 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,210 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,655 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,433 |
| $110,001+ | $24,627 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
The 0-30000 bracket pays $17,484 per year -- roughly $70,000 over four years. Against $45,300 median 6-year earnings and an 11.7-year payback, this is a significant commitment. JBU's strong completion rate (71.8%) mitigates some risk. Students who complete in business or nursing-adjacent fields can construct a workable ROI case; social sciences and humanities students face a harder picture.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
Middle-income families pay $16,655 (48001-75000 bracket) to $21,433 (75001-110000 bracket). The 48001-75000 bracket actually pays less than the lowest bracket -- an inversion suggesting a specific aid formula quirk. Four-year costs of $67,000-$86,000 are manageable for students in higher-earning programs.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Families earning $110,000+ pay $24,627 per year -- about $99,000 over four years. The full-pay case at JBU is defensible primarily for students in engineering, nursing, and business targeting Northwest Arkansas corporate employers. For other programs, the payback at this cost level extends well beyond a reasonable investment horizon.
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at John Brown University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology | $40,222 | D |
| Design and Applied Arts | $47,248 | D |
| Registered Nursing | $64,963 | B |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | $36,796 | C |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services | $39,575 | D |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $70,720 | C+ |
| Teacher Education | $48,188 | - |
| Construction Management | $73,249 | - |
| Business Administration and Management | $78,800 | C+ |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | $47,076 | D |
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.
Registered Nursing
Registered Nursing (22 graduates) earns $67,343 year-one and $64,963 at year four (B grade, debt-to-earnings 0.435, median debt $29,291). Year-one nursing earnings are solid for the Arkansas market. The unusual four-year figure lower than year-one ($64,963 vs. $67,343) may reflect sampling variation in a small cohort. High median debt of $29,291 is elevated for Arkansas nursing wages. The B grade reflects adequate but not exceptional returns.
Business Administration and Management
Business Administration and Management (11 graduates) earns $58,390 year-one and $78,800 at year four (C+ grade, debt-to-earnings 0.455, median debt $26,566). Year-one of $58k is above-average for Arkansas business graduates, likely reflecting Walmart and regional corporate placement. Four-year trajectory to $79k is solid for the market. Small cohort limits reliability.
Business Administration, Management, and Operations
Business Administration (13 graduates) earns $54,982 year-one and $70,720 at year four (C+ grade, debt-to-earnings 0.491, median debt $27,000). Strong year-one for an Arkansas private in a regional corporate market. Four-year figure of $70k shows progression. The C+ grade reflects debt level relative to earnings -- manageable but not efficient.
Psychology
Psychology (34 graduates) earns $35,294 year-one and $40,222 at year four (D grade, debt-to-earnings 0.752, median debt $26,544). Year-one earnings of $35k are modest. The four-year figure of $40k shows very limited progression -- suggesting most graduates plateau in social services or behavioral health roles at bachelor's level. The D grade accurately captures the debt-to-earnings mismatch.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 83.6% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 82.4% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 78.3% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 80.5% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 76.1% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 520-650 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 550-690 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 21-28 |
| Enrollment | 1,471 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 23.7% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $7,468 |
At 76.1%, JBU is broadly accessible. SAT and ACT mid-ranges describe a moderate-to-solid academic profile. The school's evangelical identity shapes the campus experience significantly. Students considering JBU primarily for its proximity to the Northwest Arkansas corporate corridor should assess fit with the faith community before enrolling.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
JBU's Scorecard peers include Lyon College, Westmont College, and AdventHealth University. Among evangelical Christian universities in the South, JBU competes with Baylor, Samford, and Union University at different price and prestige levels. JBU's 64 ROI score is in the Fair Value range, reflecting a genuine value proposition for students who fit the faith community and are targeting Northwest Arkansas's growing economy. Westmont is a California-based comparable at higher cost. The school's location adjacent to Bentonville's corporate hub is a meaningful differentiator for business and technology students.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Brown University (this school) | 64 | $20,397 | $53,907 |
| Westmont College | 65 | $29,053 | $64,778 |
| Calvin University | 65 | $22,992 | $58,375 |
| Wheaton College (Massachusetts) | 64 | $29,822 | $67,725 |
| Samford University | 62 | $32,622 | $58,469 |
| Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion | 62 | $22,866 | $59,986 |
Who Thrives Here
JBU admits 76.1% of applicants, with SAT mid-ranges of 520-650 Math and 550-690 Reading (ACT 21-28). Enrollment is 1,471. JBU is an evangelical Christian institution with an integrated faith-learning mission. Students who align with that identity find a cohesive community that supports the strong completion rate. The Northwest Arkansas location connects students to Walmart, Tyson Foods, and the growing regional technology ecosystem. Students outside the faith community may find the campus culture a poor fit.
The Verdict: A Reasonable Bet - With Caveats
John Brown University offers fair financial value, though the ROI depends heavily on individual circumstances. The net cost of $20,397 per year leads to $81,588 over four years, while graduates earn a median of $53,907 a decade out. The payback period of 11.7 years is about average - not bad, but not a standout either.
The data highlights several strengths: a 71.8% graduation rate, manageable debt relative to earnings, high loan repayment success.
Median debt of $21,250 against $53,907 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.