At $20,786/yr net price, Brenau University graduates earn $54,003/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $20,003/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,786 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $83,144 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,003/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$20,003/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 35.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $20,696/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,278/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,551/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,922/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,129/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $78,343 | $53,606 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $65,387 | |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $61,516 | $47,834 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $60,523 | $28,357 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $60,173 | $43,355 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $52,941 | $43,570 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $48,198 | $37,826 |
| Gerontology. | Master | $41,342 | $34,824 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $33,035 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $33,993 | $56,275 |
The Risk Factor
35.4% of students at Brenau University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Brenau University delivers mixed financial returns with a low graduation rate that creates significant risk for your investment. Only 35% of students finish their degrees, meaning nearly two-thirds who start never see any return on their tuition payments.
Your program choice makes or breaks the financial outcome here. Health and medical administrative services graduates earn $78,343 annually, while nursing majors see solid returns at $60,523 with relatively manageable debt of $28,357. Business administration and human resources programs also clear $60,000 in median earnings, though they come with higher debt loads approaching $45,000.
The retention rate of 62% signals academic or financial struggles that force many students to leave after freshman year. This creates a substantial risk that you could accumulate debt without completing your degree. The median debt of $27,000 appears reasonable, but this only reflects students who actually graduate.
Brenau works financially if you target their strongest programs and can handle the academic challenges that derail so many students. The school attracts 47% of students receiving financial aid, suggesting need-based support is available. However, you should have backup transfer options given the high dropout rates.
Avoid Brenau if you need academic support systems to succeed or if you are considering lower-earning majors not listed among their top programs. The combination of low graduation rates and private school pricing creates too much downside risk for students who struggle academically or choose weaker programs. Your odds of finishing are statistically poor, making this a risky investment despite some strong individual programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brenau University worth the cost?
Brenau University's ROI depends heavily on your major. Health administration and rehabilitation programs show strong earnings potential above $65,000, but the overall 10-year median earnings of $54,003 are modest for a $20,786 annual cost.
What programs at Brenau University have the best job prospects?
Health and Medical Administrative Services leads with $78,343 median earnings, followed by Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions at $65,387. These healthcare-focused programs significantly outperform the university's overall graduate earnings.
How much debt do Brenau University graduates typically have?
Brenau graduates have a median debt of $27,000, which is manageable compared to national averages. However, with a 35% graduation rate, many students leave without completing their degree.
Does Brenau University have good graduation rates?
No, Brenau University's 35% graduation rate is concerning and well below national averages. This means nearly two-thirds of students don't complete their degree, creating significant financial risk.