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 sits in a shaky financial spot. Ten years out, you're earning about $41,583 , below what many four-year graduates make and only modestly above a full-time worker with no degree. The upside is low debt: a median around $17,156 keeps your monthly payments manageable even on that middling salary. The problem is finishing at all. Fewer than half of students graduate, and only about 6 in 10 come back after freshman year. If you borrow and leave without the degree, you carry the cost with none of the earnings bump.
Nursing is the one program that clearly pays off here. Graduates earn well above the school median, and Kentucky's steady hospital demand backs those numbers up. The debt runs higher for nursing, but the salary covers it. Everything else is weaker. Business grads land in the mid-$30Ks. Social work, teacher education, and criminal justice all come in under $31,000 , and criminal justice graduates leave with nearly $20,000 in debt for a salary under $27,000. That combination doesn't work in your favor.
The net price tiers hold a warning for middle-income families. If your household earns $75,000 to $110,000, you'll pay more than a family earning under $30,000 , over $20,000 a year versus roughly $16,500. Aid thins out fast as income rises, so the sticker doesn't drop the way you'd expect at a private school.
This is a reasonable bet if you're heading into nursing and can finish the degree. For social work, teaching, or criminal justice, the low salaries mean you should compare a cheaper public option before committing. And if you're a middle-income family paying near-full price for a sub-$42,000 median outcome, run the math hard before you enroll.
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.