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Judson University — ROI, Cost & Payback

Private nonprofit · Elgin, IL · 708 students

The verdict

Judson University charges a net price of $18,558/yr after aid — a 4-year total of $74,232. Graduates earn a median $56,313 ten years after entry, $7,953/yr above the $48,360 high-school baseline, clearing the total in 9.3 years — a 20-year net return of $84,828, a solid payback. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Judson University's 9.3-year payback ranks #759 of 1,280 US colleges we track — better ROI than 41% of them, and #30 of 116 in Illinois.

Better ROI than 41% of US colleges#759 of 1,280
Weakest ROIStrongest ROI
$18,558
Net price / yr
Scorecard, 2026
$56,313
Median earnings, 10 yrs
Scorecard, 2026
9.3 yrs
Payback
Our math, 2026
48%
Admission rate
Scorecard, 2026
Judson University: cost, earnings and payback
MeasureValueSource
Net price (after aid)$18,558/yrScorecard, 2026
Total net cost (4 yrs)$74,232our math
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry$56,313Scorecard, 2026
Earnings premium over HS baseline$7,953/yrour math
Median debt (completers)$25,000Scorecard, 2026
Payback9.3 yrsour math
20-year net return$84,828our math

College Scorecard (2026 release), institution-level · payback and returns are our math.

How we compute this. Payback = total net cost ÷ annual earnings premium, where the premium is median earnings 10 years after entry minus the $48,360 baseline (BLS 2024 median for a high-school-diploma worker 25+). Total net cost = net price × 4 years. We do not discount future dollars. The institution-wide earnings figure blends every major — a specific program's payback can be far better or worse. Full method on the methodology page.

Judson University: frequently asked questions

Is Judson University worth the cost?
On the numbers, yes. Judson University charges $18,558/yr after aid ($74,232 over 4 years), and graduates earn a median $56,313 ten years out — $7,953/yr above the $48,360 high-school baseline. That clears the cost in 9.3 years and returns $84,828 net over 20 years, a solid payback.
How long does a Judson University degree take to pay off?
About 9.3 years. We divide the $74,232 four-year net cost by the $7,953/yr earnings premium over the high-school baseline. It is a floor, not a ceiling — mid-career raises pay it back faster.
How much does Judson University cost after financial aid?
The median net price is $18,558/yr — about $74,232 over 4 years. That is what the typical aided student actually pays after grants and scholarships, not the published sticker price.
How does Judson University compare to other Illinois colleges?
It ranks #30 of 116 Illinois colleges we track by payback. Its $56,313 median earnings beat the national median of $43,552, and its $18,558 net price is above the national median of $16,906.