At $20,303/yr net price, Johnson University graduates earn $40,596/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,596/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,303 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $81,212 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,596/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,596/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 12.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 62.2% |
| 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 | $14,271/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,570/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,930/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,121/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,774/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Master | $30,771 | $20,343 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $26,585 | $19,767 |
| Bible/Biblical Studies. | Bachelor | $25,310 | $23,250 |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Bachelor | $25,194 | $23,456 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $24,035 | |
| Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries. | Bachelor | $23,579 | $25,267 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $21,052 | $21,500 |
The Risk Factor
62.2% of students at Johnson University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 38% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Johnson University's numbers point to a weak financial return. Ten years out, median earnings sit at $40,596, barely above what many workers earn without a four-year degree. Against a net price above $20,000 a year, that gap takes a long time to close.
The program-level data makes the problem clearer. Every top-earning bachelor's program here pays under $27,000 a year a decade after enrollment. Bible/Biblical Studies and Theological and Ministerial Studies both come with over $23,000 in debt against earnings around $25,000. Pastoral Counseling carries the highest debt on the list, over $25,000, for the lowest pay among the top five. These are ministry-track degrees, and the earnings reflect that field, not a job market that will move much regardless of where you live in the Knoxville region.
The one relative bright spot is Mental and Social Health Services, which pairs the highest earnings with the lowest debt of any listed program. If you come here, that's the degree where the math works best, though even it tops out under $27,000.
The specific risk is that you borrow ministry-degree amounts and earn ministry-degree money. A 62% graduation rate and 74% retention mean a real share of you leave without a credential, still carrying whatever debt you took on.
This school fits you if a faith-based education and a calling to ministry are the point, and you're going in with clear eyes about the pay. If you need a degree to generate income and repay loans, look elsewhere. On price, the lower income tiers pay roughly $14,000 to $19,000 a year, so aid narrows the gap but doesn't erase the return problem behind it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Johnson University worth the cost?
Johnson University's graduates earn $40,596 ten years after graduation, which is below average for college graduates nationally. With a net price of $20,303 annually and typical debt of $21,500, the financial return is modest but manageable for those committed to ministry or social service careers.
What programs at Johnson University have the best job prospects?
Theological and Ministerial Studies offers the highest earnings at $30,771, though this is still below the national average for college graduates. Mental Health Services graduates earn $26,585, while Bible Studies and Communication majors earn in the mid-$20,000s.
How much debt do Johnson University students typically graduate with?
Johnson University graduates carry a median debt of $21,500, which is relatively low compared to many private colleges. However, given the below-average earnings of most programs, students should carefully consider their ability to repay loans on ministry or social service salaries.
Does Johnson University provide good value for students interested in ministry?
Johnson University serves students called to ministry careers, but the financial returns are limited with most programs paying in the $25,000-$30,000 range. The school's focus on Christian service means graduates should expect lower salaries typical of nonprofit and religious work.