At $20,082/yr net price, Freed-Hardeman University graduates earn $47,485/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $13,485/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,082 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $80,328 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $47,485/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$13,485/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 68.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,478/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,267/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,533/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,611/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,201/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Certificate | $57,318 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $55,061 | $19,000 |
| Bible/Biblical Studies. | Bachelor | $52,107 | $23,884 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $47,260 | |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $44,971 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $38,289 | |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $36,668 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $36,107 | $21,875 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $20,592 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
The Risk Factor
68.4% of students at Freed-Hardeman University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 32% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Freed-Hardeman University delivers modest returns that work for specific career paths but fall short for many students. The $47,485 median earnings after graduation barely justify the $20,082 annual net price, especially when you factor in the relatively high 32% of students who don't finish their degrees.
Your major choice makes or breaks the financial equation here. Educational Administration leads earnings at $57,318, while nursing graduates earn $55,061 with lower debt loads of just $19,000. Bible studies surprisingly pays $52,107, reflecting the school's strong connections to ministry positions. However, psychology majors face a concerning gap between costs and the $44,971 median salary.
The biggest financial risk at FHU is the combination of moderate debt levels with below-average completion rates. While the $21,500 median debt looks manageable, nearly one-third of students leave without degrees, creating the worst possible outcome of debt without credentials.
This school works financially if you're pursuing nursing, education leadership, or ministry roles where FHU's denominational connections provide clear career pathways. The 80.6% retention rate suggests most students who start here want to stay, which matters for completion odds.
You should look elsewhere if you're considering liberal arts majors without clear professional tracks, or if you need substantial financial aid. Only 22% of students receive aid, indicating limited assistance for middle-income families. The school's rural Tennessee location also limits internship and job opportunities compared to urban alternatives, making your program choice even more critical for post-graduation success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Freed-Hardeman University worth the cost?
Freed-Hardeman University's graduates earn $47,485 ten years after graduation, which is below the national average for college graduates. With a net price of $20,082 annually and median debt of $21,500, the financial return depends heavily on your chosen program.
What are the highest paying majors at Freed-Hardeman University?
Educational Administration ($57,318) and Nursing ($55,061) offer the strongest earning potential at Freed-Hardeman University. Bible/Biblical Studies graduates earn $52,107, while other programs like Clinical Psychology average $44,971.
How much debt do Freed-Hardeman University students graduate with?
Freed-Hardeman University graduates have a median debt of $21,500, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. However, with average earnings of $47,485, debt-to-income ratios may be tight for graduates in lower-paying fields.
Does Freed-Hardeman University have good graduation rates?
Freed-Hardeman University has a 68.4% graduation rate, meaning about one-third of students don't finish their degree. This completion rate is concerning given the tuition investment and suggests academic or financial challenges for many students.