At $18,246/yr net price, Campbellsville University graduates earn $41,583/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,583/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,246 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $72,984 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,583/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,583/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 9.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 47.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $17,156 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $16,491/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,707/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,425/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,863/yr |
| $110,001+ | $22,636/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Master | $61,020 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $54,035 | $24,475 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $52,733 | $24,975 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $43,426 | $26,980 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $37,928 | |
| Social Work. | Master | $37,208 | $27,275 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $35,213 | $22,275 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $30,228 | $17,850 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $28,055 | $20,822 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $26,739 | $19,932 |
The Risk Factor
47.1% of students at Campbellsville University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Campbellsville University delivers weak financial returns for most students, with median earnings of just $41,583 ten years after graduation despite a net price of $18,246 annually. The combination of low graduation rates and modest earnings creates significant financial risk.
Theological and Ministerial Studies stands out as the clear financial winner, generating $61,020 in median earnings. Nursing programs also perform well, with graduates earning $52,000-$54,000 annually, though nursing students carry higher debt loads around $24,000-$25,000. Business majors see moderate returns at $43,426, but Special Education graduates earn just $37,928, making that program financially questionable given the debt burden.
The school's 47% graduation rate poses the biggest financial risk. Nearly half of students who enroll never finish their degree but still accumulate debt. The 60% retention rate signals academic struggles that could derail your investment early.
Campbellsville works financially if you plan to study theology or nursing and can graduate on time. The relatively low median debt of $17,156 helps make these programs viable. However, you should avoid this school if you're considering Special Education or other lower-earning majors, as the returns don't justify the cost and time investment.
Only 22% of students receive need-based aid, suggesting limited financial support for families who need it most. Rural Kentucky's job market constrains earning potential for most graduates, making career field selection critical to your financial success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Campbellsville University worth the cost?
Campbellsville University's ROI depends heavily on your major. With 10-year earnings of $41,583 against an annual net price of $18,246, only certain programs like nursing and theology offer strong financial returns.
What are the best paying majors at Campbellsville University?
Theological and Ministerial Studies leads at $61,020, followed by nursing programs at $52,000-54,000. Business graduates earn $43,426, while education majors see lower returns at $37,928.
How much debt do Campbellsville University students typically graduate with?
The median debt is $17,156, which is manageable compared to many private schools. However, with the 47% graduation rate, nearly half of students leave without a degree but may still carry debt.
Does Campbellsville University have good job outcomes for graduates?
Job outcomes vary significantly by program. Nursing and ministry graduates see strong earning potential, but the overall 10-year median of $41,583 is modest for a private university education.