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Waldorf University vs Morningside University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Forest City IA · vs · Private nonprofit, Sioux City IA

The verdict

Morningside University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $125,280 in 17.6 years versus 28.1 years at Waldorf University, on median earnings of $55,494 vs $51,165 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureWaldorf UniversityMorningside University
Net price / yr$19,693$31,320
Total net cost$78,772$125,280
Median earnings, 10 yrs$51,165$55,494
Median debt$18,752$26,028
Payback28.1 yrs17.6 yrs
20-year net return-$22,672$17,400

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Waldorf University or Morningside University?

Waldorf University, at $19,693 a year after aid versus $31,320 — a gap of $11,627 a year, or $46,508 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Waldorf University or Morningside University graduates earn more?

Morningside University graduates report a median $55,494 ten years after entry, $4,329 more than the $51,165 at Waldorf 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, Waldorf University or Morningside University?

Waldorf University: its completers carry a median $18,752 in federal loans versus $26,028 at Morningside University, a difference of $7,276. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

50% of students finish at Morningside University, against 21% at Waldorf 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.

Waldorf University vs Morningside University: frequently asked questions

Is Waldorf University or Morningside University a better value?
Morningside University. It clears its $125,280 net cost in about 17.6 years versus 28.1 years at Waldorf University, on median earnings of $55,494 vs $51,165 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Waldorf University or Morningside University?
Waldorf University: $19,693/yr net price after aid versus $31,320/yr at Morningside University — a difference of $11,627 a year, or about $46,508 over four years.
Do Waldorf University or Morningside University graduates earn more?
Morningside University graduates earn a median $55,494 ten years after entry, versus $51,165 at Waldorf University — a $4,329 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.