Southern Adventist University vs Union University: which has better ROI?
Southern Adventist University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $97,380 in 18.2 years versus 19.3 years at Union University, on median earnings of $53,723 vs $53,990 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Southern Adventist University | Union University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $24,345 | $27,171 |
| Total net cost | $97,380 | $108,684 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $53,723 | $53,990 |
| Median debt | $24,500 | $20,714 |
| Payback | 18.2 yrs | 19.3 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $9,880 | $3,916 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Southern Adventist University or Union University?
Southern Adventist University, at $24,345 a year after aid versus $27,171 — a gap of $2,826 a year, or $11,304 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Southern Adventist University or Union University graduates earn more?
Union University graduates report a median $53,990 ten years after entry, $267 more than the $53,723 at Southern Adventist University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Southern Adventist University or Union University?
Union University: its completers carry a median $20,714 in federal loans versus $24,500 at Southern Adventist University, a difference of $3,786. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
66% of students finish at Union University, against 49% at Southern Adventist University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.