John Brown University
John Brown University is a private nonprofit university in Siloam Springs, AR ranked #695 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B, enrolling about 1,415 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 67.6%. Students most often pursue Construction Management and Engineering.
Academically, students benefit from a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, 84.2% first-year retention, and 66.8% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $21,144, about $4,146 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -45.5%, roughly 130.8 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $46,114. That's about $2,426 higher than national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is John Brown University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
John Brown University graduates 66.8% of students within six years and keeps 84.2% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use John Brown University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $30,832 |
| Books and Supplies | $800 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $10,258 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,820 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $43,260 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 21.4% of John Brown University students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $17,732 to $24,817 depending on family income. Use John Brown University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $21,672/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $24,817/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $46,114
- 10-Year Median Earnings $46,114
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $17,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 74.6%
- Employment Rate 86.3%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for John Brown University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
John Brown University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how John Brown University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes John Brown University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While John Brown University graduates earn $46,114 median, the -45.5% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 590-675
- SAT Math 540-670
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 21-30
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 1,415
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 84.2%
- Graduation Rate 66.8%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 16:1
How to Get Into John Brown University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: John Brown University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 67.6%, John Brown University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 67.6% acceptance rate, John Brown University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1130 and 1345 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among John Brown University undergraduates. Psychology, General, Design and Applied Arts, and Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing draw the most students.
- Psychology, General 10.2%
- Design and Applied Arts 8.6%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 5.7%
- Engineering, General 4.9%
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Ser 4.7%
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts 4.7%
See more majors
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 4.7%
- Construction Management 4.7%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Construction Management $99,760
- 2. Engineering, General $90,667
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations $78,579
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Business/Commerce, General $67,683
- 5. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $67,343
- 6. Design and Applied Arts $51,158
- 7. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $44,600
- 8. Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services $41,801
- 9. Psychology, General $35,294
- 10. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities $32,974
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $105,589
- 2. Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Master's Degree) $51,946
- 3. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree) $51,880
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Construction Management grads earn $99,760—203% more than Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($32,974). Graduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations programs lead with $105,589 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for John Brown University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Master's Degree, 81 graduates)
- Design and Applied Arts (Bachelor's Degree, 33 graduates)
- Engineering, General (Bachelor's Degree, 19 graduates)
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services (Bachelor's Degree, 18 graduates)
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts (Bachelor's Degree, 18 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (35 programs)▼
- Design and Applied Arts
- Engineering, General
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Construction Management
- Outdoor Education
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
- International Business
- English Language and Literature, General
- Accounting and Related Services
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- International/Global Studies
- Communication and Media Studies
- Biology, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Music
- Marketing
- Political Science and Government
- History
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Religious/Sacred Music
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Chemistry
- Philosophy
- Mathematics
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Physical Sciences, Other
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Management Information Systems and Services
Online Master's Degrees (7 programs)▼
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Design and Applied Arts
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Special Education and Teaching
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (1 program)▼
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,415
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 42.5%
- Female Students 57.5%
- Caucasian 68.5%
- Asian 1.8%
- Hispanic 11.9%
- Black 1.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients 21.4%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects John Brown University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of John Brown University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does John Brown University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at John Brown University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: About 21.4% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does John Brown University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at John Brown University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
John Brown University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -45.5% ROI. Ranked #695 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $21,144 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $46,114 median earnings. With 66.8% graduating within six years and 84.2% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: John Brown University's Positioning
With a B grade and #695 ranking, John Brown University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $21,144 annually, John Brown University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 84.2% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $14,801 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -45.5% ROI and $46,114 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $11,144+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: John Brown University ranks #695 of 6272 institutions, with 902 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 66.8% six-year graduation rate sits 4.3 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 84.2% first-year retention is 7.4 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -45.5% return on investment is 130.8 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $46,114 run about 6% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $21,144 is roughly $4,026 higher than the national median of $17,118.
Helpfulness for Students
- 16:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 84.2% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 86.3% employment rate within three years sits 18.1 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $21,144 is about $4,026 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 21.4% trails the national share by 17.4 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Siloam Springs, AR, John Brown University operates as a private nonprofit university and receives a B from EDsmart. It is currently ranked #695 nationally Grades by category break down as Completion B+, Support B, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability C+.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
84.2% of learners come back after year one while 66.8% complete the degree within six years. Return on investment currently measures -45.5% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $21,144 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $43,260.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $22,116 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $17,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 21.4% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $46,114 at the median. This is roughly 6% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
Roughly 86.3% of graduates are employed three years out.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -45.5%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
67.6% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the John Brown University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Siloam Springs, AR 72761
- Website www.jbu.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$156.6M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate19.7%