Nelson University
- Graduation Rate
- 39% D
- Lower completion rate than most colleges
- Earnings (10yr)
- $46,238 C+
- Roughly in line with national averages
- Net Price
- $21,662 D+
- 26% more than the typical college
- Acceptance Rate
- 89% D+
- Accessible to most qualified applicants
Bottom line: A C- overall grade — outcomes trail most U.S. colleges. 14.0× return on investment — every $1 spent returns $14.0 over 20 years.
Every $1 spent returns $14.0 over 20 years — debt pays back in ~under a year. Net gain: $1,122,228.
What The Data Says
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A C- overall — outcomes trail most U.S. colleges on measured metrics.
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Graduation of 39% — 33% below the national average.
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Every $1 invested returns $14.0 over 20 years — an exceptional return.
About Nelson University
Nelson University is profiled below with full outcomes data from federal sources.
Interpretation generated from this school's federal outcomes, research, and mobility data.
Institutional Profile
- Institution Type
- Private University
- Carnegie Class
- Master's University
- Enrollment
- 1,479
- Setting
- Suburban
- Designations
- HSI · 27
- Primary Strengths
- Business & Marketing, Humanities, Education, English & Literature
Why students choose Nelson University
CollegeRanker Report Card
Graded on outcomes, against every U.S. college.
Each grade is this school's national percentile on a real outcome — earnings, value, mobility, and more.
How we grade →Admissions
Accessible — admits about 89% of applicants, with a middle-50% SAT of 890–1090. Run your numbers in the admissions predictor below.
Check your odds →Net price + aid
Students pay about $21,662 a year after grants and scholarships — 26% above the typical U.S. college. See net price by family income below.
See cost & aid →Earnings + debt
Graduates earn a median of $46,238 ten years after enrolling — 13% above the typical college, against $24,725 in median debt.
See outcomes →Mobility + social capital
Mobility and social-capital data are limited for this school — see what's reported below.
See mobility →Overview
With an acceptance rate of 89%, Nelson University in Waxahachie, TX, is an accessible choice for students seeking a supportive academic environment. This institution might be a good fit for those interested in hands-on learning and personalized attention, particularly in popular fields like Business & Marketing, Humanities, Education, Psychology, and Criminal Justice. The relatively small enrollment of about 1,479 students fosters a close-knit community where individual growth is encouraged.
When it comes to life after graduation, alumni from Nelson University earn an average of $46,238 ten years after completing their studies. This figure suggests that students can achieve solid financial success in their careers, especially if they’re strategic about their fields of study. The affordability of attending Nelson is also notable, with a net price of $21,662 after financial aid, making it a viable option for many students looking to balance quality education with financial considerations.
In terms of financial outcomes, students typically graduate with a median debt of $24,725, which is manageable given their earning potential. Those who thrive here often take advantage of the supportive environment and the proximity to local industries, which can enhance internship and job opportunities. With nearly half of the student body receiving Pell Grants, it’s clear that Nelson University attracts a diverse range of students, all working towards their personal and professional goals.
Rankings
Can I Get In?
How selective Nelson University is — and how your numbers stack up.
Tool
Will I Be Accepted?
Enter your credentials to see your chances at this school.
Academics & Admissions
Is It Hard to Get Into Nelson University? Acceptance Rate & Requirements
As a private institution in Waxahachie, Texas, Nelson University admits most of the students who apply; the acceptance rate is roughly 89%. Admitted students typically arrive with an average SAT score near 980. The graduation rate is roughly 39%.
- Acceptance Rate
- 89%
- Retention Rate
- 75%
- SAT Average
- 980
- ACT Midpoint
- 20
- SAT Range
- 890–1090
- Full-Time Faculty
- 46%
- Faculty Salary (mo)
- $6,539
- Student–Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Diversity Index
- 0.66
- First-Gen Students
- 38%
- Applicants
- 627
- Admitted
- 537
Can I Afford It?
What you'll actually pay after grants and aid — not the sticker price.
Cost & Financial Aid
How Much Does It Cost to Attend Nelson University? Tuition, Net Price & Aid
Published tuition at Nelson University is $25,064, but few families pay that. The number to watch is net price, what students actually pay each year after federal grants and institutional scholarships. Here it averages about $21,662. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $17,583 after need-based grants. The median graduate leaves with about $24,725 in federal student loans.
- In-State Tuition
- $25,064
- Out-of-State
- $25,064
- Avg Net Price
- $21,662
- Median Debt
- $24,725
- Pell Grant Rate
- 48%
- Federal Loan Rate
- 61%
What Families Actually Pay
- Family Income $0–$30K
- $17,583
- Family Income $30K–$48K
- $18,396
- Family Income $48K–$75K
- $21,731
- Family Income $110K+
- $25,474
What Happens After?
Earnings, debt, and where graduates actually land.
Students Like You
Tell us a little about yourself to see what students like you have typically experienced at Nelson University — the net price for your income, your admission odds, and the outcomes that follow. These are patterns from federal data, not predictions.
Graduate Outcomes
Is Nelson University Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI
Ten years out, alumni of Nelson University earn a median of $46,238, roughly in line with the national average for college graduates.
- 6 Years After Entry
- $37,425
- 8 Years
- $42,680
- 10 Years
- $46,238
- Debt-to-Earnings
- 0.53x
- Earning > $25K
- 55%
Earnings Trajectory
Graduation by Timeframe
- 100% (82)
- 43%
- 100% (82)
- 43%
- 100% (82)
- 43%
- 100% (82)
- 43%
How Nelson Compares
Dot right of center = above national average.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.
College ROI Calculator
Is Nelson University Worth It?
A data-driven look at the return on your educational investment — using real federal data.
Yes — for most students, Nelson University delivers a positive return. Over four years, the typical net price is $21,662/year ($86,648 total). Graduates earn $46,238 at ten years, and over a 20-year career we project $1,208,876 in total earnings — a net gain of $1,122,228 (14.0× your investment). The median debt is $24,725, which takes less than a year to pay back at typical earnings. With a 39% graduation rate, the path to that return is well-tested. This is a exceptional ROI compared to national averages.
- Total Cost (4yr)
- $86,648
- Projected 20yr Earnings
- $1,208,876
- Net Return
- $1,122,228
- ROI Multiple
- 14.0×
- Cost Per Year
- $21,662
- Median Debt
- $24,725
- Debt Payback
- Less than 1 yr
- Graduation Rate
- 39%
Does It Change Lives?
Mobility, social capital, and innovation — does it move people up?
Institutional Finances
Data: NCES IPEDS
- Federal Grants
- $8,368,921
- Investment Income
- $-1,169,198
Top Programs
The fields Nelson University awards the most degrees in, by share of completions. Where federal field-of-study data exists, we show what graduates in that major earned early in their careers. Each links to its degree guide — or see what someone with your income, scores, and major would pay and earn here in the Students Like You simulator.
- Business & Marketing 11%
- Humanities 10%
- Education 6%
- English & Literature 3%
- Criminal Justice 3%
- Visual & Performing Arts 3%
- Psychology 2%
- Health Professions 1%
Top Careers
Where these majors tend to lead — common career paths for Nelson University's most popular programs, ranked by median pay with our proprietary scorecard insights.
- CChief Executive Officer$189,520 · 3% growthAdaptable 64
- C+IT Manager$169,510 · 15% growthAdaptable 52
- CHR Manager$136,350 · 5% growthAdaptable 64
- CSales Manager$135,160 · 4% growthAdaptable 64
- CPurchasing Manager$131,350 · 5% growthAdaptable 64
- B+Nurse Practitioner$129,480 · 40% growthResilient 96
- CTraining Manager$125,040 · 6% growthResilient 74
- CProduct Manager$125,000 · 8% growthAdaptable 52
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Hard to Get Into Nelson University? Acceptance Rate & Requirements
As a private institution in Waxahachie, Texas, Nelson University admits most of the students who apply; the acceptance rate is roughly 89%. Admitted students typically arrive with an average SAT score near 980. The graduation rate is roughly 39%.
How Much Does It Cost to Attend Nelson University? Tuition, Net Price & Aid
Published tuition at Nelson University is $25,064, but few families pay that. The number to watch is net price, what students actually pay each year after federal grants and institutional scholarships. Here it averages about $21,662. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $17,583 after need-based grants. The median graduate leaves with about $24,725 in federal student loans.
Is Nelson University Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI
Ten years out, alumni of Nelson University earn a median of $46,238, roughly in line with the national average for college graduates.
Similar Schools
Schools with similar outcomes, selectivity, and student profiles to Nelson University.
- Newberry CollegeNewberry, SC · Close peer45% grad $48,040 earn 90% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar grad rate
- University of DubuqueDubuque, IA · Close peer41% grad $51,190 earn 89% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar grad rate
- Mid-America Christian UniversityOklahoma City, OK · Close peer40% grad $46,116 earn 92% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar grad rate
- Lenoir-Rhyne UniversityHickory, NC · Close peer49% grad $45,543 earn 85% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar size
- Carson-Newman UniversityJefferson City, TN · Close peer50% grad $48,382 earn 90% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar size
- Faulkner UniversityMontgomery, AL · Close peer38% grad $43,457 earn 73% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar grad rate · similar size
