At $14,879/yr net price, Tennessee Wesleyan University graduates earn $45,989/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,989/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,879 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $59,516 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,989/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,989/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 43.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,734/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,881/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,610/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,049/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,797/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $50,401 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $39,009 | $21,599 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $38,289 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $37,208 | |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $36,560 | |
| Security Science and Technology. | Bachelor | $30,409 | |
| Human Services, General. | Bachelor | $28,598 | |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $25,194 |
The Risk Factor
43.6% of students at Tennessee Wesleyan 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
Tennessee Wesleyan University delivers mediocre financial returns that vary dramatically by major. The nursing program stands out as the clear winner, generating $50,401 in median earnings that justify the investment. Business and accounting majors earn in the high $30,000s, which provides reasonable returns given the $14,879 annual net price.
The bigger concern is the 43% graduation rate. Nearly six out of ten students who start at Tennessee Wesleyan never finish, making this a high-risk investment for anyone who struggles academically or lacks strong motivation. The 64% retention rate signals that many students recognize problems early and transfer elsewhere.
Education majors face particularly challenging economics, earning just $37,208 while carrying typical student debt loads. Given Tennessee's teacher salary structure, you should carefully consider whether this path makes financial sense compared to nursing or business programs at the same school.
Tennessee Wesleyan works best for students who can commit fully to completing their degree and choose nursing as their major. The relatively low debt burden of $20,000 helps, but only if you actually graduate. Students considering education or liberal arts programs should look at state universities where lower costs might provide better value for similar earning outcomes.
The school's location in rural East Tennessee limits local internship and job opportunities, making degree completion even more critical since you will likely need to relocate for better-paying positions after graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tennessee Wesleyan University worth the money?
Tennessee Wesleyan's low net price of $14,879 makes it affordable, but the 10-year median earnings of $45,989 and 44% graduation rate create mixed value. Nursing graduates earn over $50,000, while other programs often fall below $40,000 annually.
What are the best paying majors at Tennessee Wesleyan University?
Registered Nursing leads with $50,401 median earnings, followed by Business Administration at $39,009 and Accounting at $38,289. Education majors earn around $37,208, which is low considering the degree requirements.
How much debt do Tennessee Wesleyan University graduates have?
The median debt is $20,000, which is manageable compared to many private schools. However, with nearly 60% of students not graduating, many leave with debt but no degree.
Does Tennessee Wesleyan University have a good return on investment?
The ROI depends heavily on your major and whether you graduate. Nursing students see decent returns, but the 44% graduation rate means many students never see any return on their investment.