Carson-Newman University
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$138,800
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$4,324/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
32.1 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
-38%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
One year after graduation, Carson-Newman University graduates earn a median salary of $42,215, which is higher than the in-state tuition cost of $34,700. However, five years after graduation, the median salary decreases to $39,324. Ten years after graduation, the median salary increases to $48,382. The median debt for graduates is $21,500, and 52.4% of students receive financial aid.
The debt-to-income ratio, calculated by dividing the median debt by the one-year post-graduation salary, is approximately 0.51. The break-even point, which is the time it takes for the cumulative earnings to surpass the tuition cost, is less than one year based on the one-year post-graduation salary.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$34,700
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,500
Median Earnings (5yr)
$39,324
Graduation Rate
52%
Receive Financial Aid
52%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $138,800 | $59,247 | 249% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $138,800 | $46,187 | 61% |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | $138,800 | $0 | N/A |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $138,800 | $61,785 | 286% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | $138,800 | $47,782 | 84% |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | $138,800 | $0 | N/A |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | $138,800 | $58,229 | 235% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | $138,800 | $0 | N/A |
| Biology, General. | $138,800 | $0 | N/A |
| Psychology, General. | $138,800 | $0 | N/A |
| Special Education and Teaching. | $138,800 | $0 | N/A |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | $138,800 | $55,903 | 201% |
Peer Comparison
-38%
20yr ROI
-20%
20yr ROI
235%
20yr ROI
170%
20yr ROI
-4%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.