Southwestern College
Winfield, Kansas · Private Nonprofit · 75.5% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 38/100 · Poor Value
Southwestern College is a small private nonprofit institution in Winfield, Kansas, affiliated with the United Methodist Church and enrolling about 924 students. Sticker tuition of $39,822 falls to a $29,824 average net price, with 41% of students receiving Pell Grants. Southwestern earns a Poor Value ROI score of 38, constrained by a 35.7% completion rate — only the second-lowest completion rate in this cohort — and a 12.6-year payback period. Median six-year earnings of $41,200 are moderate, but the institutions ROI is dragged down by the low graduation rate and a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61. The strongest programs are computer programming (A grade, 0.115 debt-to-earnings), business administration (B+), and criminal justice. Southwestern's main campus is a residential environment in a small Kansas city; the institution also operates extended-degree programs for working adults. The divergence in outcomes between the online/adult population and traditional students is worth investigating with the institution directly.
The data raises concerns about Southwestern College
These metrics fall below the thresholds most financial advisors recommend for a sound college investment. Review them carefully before committing.
- ROI Score38/100 - Poor Value tier (below 45). Most 4-year schools we track score 60 or higher.
- 6-year graduation rate35.7% - Well below the 60% national average. Non-completion is the fastest route to negative ROI.
Southwestern College
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $39,822/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $39,822/yr |
| Average net price | $29,824/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $119,296 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $55,646 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $41,200 |
| Median debt at graduation | $25,000 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $265 |
| Estimated payback period | 12.6 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 35.7% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 924 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Southwestern College is $39,822/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $29,824/year, or roughly $119,296 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $26,294/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $32,739/year.
The median graduate leaves with $25,000 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $265 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $55,646 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.61 - 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 | $26,294 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $28,688 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $30,032 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $31,315 |
| $110,001+ | $32,739 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Families earning under $30,000 pay $26,294 net. At that cost and with $25,000 median debt and median six-year earnings of $41,200, low-income students face a 12.6-year payback at best. The 35.7% completion rate is the central risk. Low-income students should compare against Wichita State's $9,734 net price and broader program range before choosing Southwestern.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The $30,001–$75,000 band pays $28,688–$30,032. For middle-income families, the cost differential versus Kansas publics is stark. Only if the student is committed to a specific program — particularly computer programming or business in the adult-learner track — does the cost make sense relative to public alternatives.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Above $75,000, families pay $31,315–$32,739. At these net prices, Southwestern offers limited financial advantage. Higher-income families choosing Southwestern for faith-mission alignment should weigh peer institutions like Benedictine College, which shows stronger outcomes at comparable cost.
Earnings by Major
Top 7 most popular majors at Southwestern College with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $73,596 | B+ |
| Computer Programming | $83,746 | A |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration | $80,322 | - |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $63,138 | - |
| Business, General | $77,689 | - |
| Teacher Education | $44,511 | - |
| Registered Nursing | $85,029 | 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.
Computer Programming
Computer Programming is Southwestern's standout program with an A ROI grade, 23 graduates, year-one earnings of $56,305, and $83,746 at four years against only $6,500 in median debt — producing an extraordinary 0.115 debt-to-earnings ratio. This likely reflects a program structure where students minimize borrowing. At these debt levels, Southwestern's programming track is an unusually efficient credential.
Business Administration, Management, and Operations
Business Administration is Southwestern's largest measured program at 108 graduates with year-one earnings of $59,951 and $73,596 at four years. A B+ grade and 0.35 debt-to-earnings ratio make this a competitive offering for a small private. This program likely serves both traditional students and adult learners, which may explain the strong first-year earnings figures.
Criminal Justice and Corrections
Criminal Justice graduates 18 students with year-one earnings of $60,820 and $63,138 at four years. No debt ratio data is available. High first-year earnings suggest this cohort may skew toward working professionals with pre-existing careers in law enforcement or corrections who complete the degree for promotion or credentialing purposes.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 62.1% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 68.0% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 65.1% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 71.3% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 75.5% |
| Enrollment | 924 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 40.8% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $6,799 |
Southwestern admits 75.6% of applicants with no reported SAT or ACT data. Given the private-school price tag and low completion rate, applicants should carefully evaluate their fit with the campus environment and inquire about scholarship availability and renewal conditions. The average net price of $29,824 is high relative to nearby Kansas public universities like Wichita State.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
Peers include Baker University and Benedictine College — other small Kansas private colleges. Benedictine's completion rate and earnings trajectory are stronger benchmarks. Baker University offers a similar small-college Methodist environment at a comparable price. Southwestern's computer programming program is a genuine differentiator in the peer group, but the 35.7% completion rate is the weakest metric across this peer set.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southwestern College (this school) | 38 | $29,824 | $55,646 |
| Baker University | 65 | $25,301 | $63,855 |
| Benedictine College | 45 | $27,891 | $53,175 |
| Huntington University | 38 | $19,310 | $46,672 |
| Geneva College | 38 | $25,890 | $50,004 |
| Peirce College | 38 | $12,148 | $50,660 |
Who Thrives Here
Southwestern suits students who value a small, faith-affiliated community in rural Kansas and plan to study business, technology, or criminal justice. The 75.6% admissions rate makes entry accessible. Students in computer programming have access to a legitimately excellent ROI program given the low debt levels. However, the 35.7% completion rate is a serious warning — more than six in ten students who enroll do not graduate. Students considering Southwestern should ask directly about retention programs and student support infrastructure before enrolling.
The Verdict: The Numbers Don't Add Up
The financial data raises serious concerns about Southwestern College. With a net cost of $29,824 per year and median graduate earnings of only $55,646 ten years out, the estimated payback period exceeds 12.6 years. For most students, the financial return does not justify the cost.
Areas of concern include weak earnings relative to cost and a 35.7% graduation rate and concerning loan repayment rates.
Median debt of $25,000 against $55,646 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.