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 lands in the middle financially. Your median earnings ten years out sit close to what a family earning under $75k pays across four years, and with median debt near a single year's salary, most of you can pay it back without wrecking your budget. That's a workable return, not a spectacular one.
Nursing is the clear winner here. It pays the most, carries the lowest debt of any listed program, and feeds directly into a Tennessee job market that always needs licensed nurses. Accounting is the other solid bet, with earnings above the school median and a clear career path. Business administration is where the math gets uncomfortable: you'll earn roughly $17,000 a year less than a nursing graduate from the same campus, and general business degrees compete against every other school in the region. Multi/interdisciplinary studies pays the least and gives you no specific credential to sell.
Bible and Biblical Studies is the tricky one. It pays surprisingly well on paper, second only to nursing, but it also carries the highest debt of any program listed. That earnings figure likely reflects ministry and church-administration roles tied to Freed-Hardeman's Church of Christ affiliation, so the payoff depends heavily on landing inside that network.
The net price barely moves as family income drops. If your family earns under $30k, you still pay over $15k a year, and grant aid only shaves a few thousand off the sticker for lower-income families. That's the main financial risk: this school doesn't discount steeply for need.
Come here for nursing or accounting and the numbers work. If you're chasing a general business or interdisciplinary degree and paying near full price, look hard at a cheaper public option first.
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.