At $10,896/yr net price, Christian Brothers University graduates earn $57,478/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $23,478/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,896 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $43,584 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $57,478/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$23,478/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 56.0% |
| 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 | $8,886/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,157/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,547/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,622/yr |
| $110,001+ | $9,103/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $94,892 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $76,460 | $27,554 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $67,660 | |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $64,493 | $27,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $59,169 | |
| Education, General. | Master | $52,663 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $44,963 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $39,729 | $46,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $36,560 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $26,353 | $25,625 |
The Risk Factor
56.0% of students at Christian Brothers 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
Christian Brothers University delivers solid financial returns despite a concerning graduation rate of just 56%. The school's low net price of $10,896 combined with median earnings of $57,478 creates a favorable cost-to-benefit ratio, though you'll need to actually graduate to realize these gains.
Allied health programs stand out as the clear financial winners, producing graduates earning $94,892 annually. Business administration and nursing also deliver strong returns at $76,460 and $67,660 respectively. Mechanical engineering provides decent value at $64,493, while accounting falls closer to the school median at $59,169. These earnings figures reflect Memphis's growing healthcare sector and steady demand for business professionals in the region.
The primary risk lies in completion. With nearly half of students failing to graduate, your biggest threat isn't debt load but wasted time and tuition payments without a degree. The $27,000 median debt burden remains manageable given the earnings potential, but only if you finish.
This school works best for focused students entering high-demand fields like healthcare or business who can handle the academic rigor required to graduate. The low net price makes it accessible even without significant family resources. However, if you struggle with retention or lack clear career direction, consider schools with stronger support systems and higher graduation rates.
With only 31% of students receiving aid, Christian Brothers appears selective with financial assistance. Merit scholarships likely reward academic achievement, making strong high school performance your best strategy for reducing costs further.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Christian Brothers University worth the cost?
Christian Brothers University offers decent value with a relatively low net price of $10,896 per year and moderate debt levels around $27,000. However, the 56% graduation rate and $57,478 median earnings suggest mixed outcomes depending on your program choice.
What are the highest paying majors at Christian Brothers University?
Allied Health programs lead with $94,892 median earnings, followed by Business Administration at $76,460 and Nursing at $67,660. These programs significantly outperform the overall school median of $57,478.
How much student debt do Christian Brothers University graduates have?
Graduates typically carry $27,000 in debt, which is manageable compared to the national average. The debt-to-income ratio works out better for high-paying programs like Allied Health and Business than for lower-earning majors.
Does Christian Brothers University have a good graduation rate?
The 56% graduation rate at Christian Brothers University is below the national average for four-year colleges. This means nearly half of students don't complete their degree, which significantly impacts the school's overall ROI.