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 sits in mixed financial territory. The net price of about $15,000 a year is manageable, and median debt of $20,000 stays close to what a single year's earnings can cover after graduation. But median earnings ten years out land under $46,000, and a 43.6% graduation rate means fewer than half of students finish. If you leave with debt and no degree, that is the worst outcome here.
Nursing is the clear payoff. It pays over $11,000 more per year than business administration, the next program on the list, and it feeds directly into hospital demand across East Tennessee. If you come here for nursing and finish, the math works.
The other bachelor's programs cluster in the high $30,000s. Business, accounting, teacher education, and interdisciplinary studies all land within about $2,500 of each other. Business administration carries the highest listed debt at roughly $21,600 against $39,000 in earnings, so the return is thinner. Teacher education pays the least of the group, which matters if you plan to borrow.
The retention rate of 63.78% is the risk to watch. More than a third of students don't return after the first year, and the price you pay counts whether or not you graduate.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay under $12,000 a year. Above $110,000, you pay closer to $17,800, a $6,000 gap that makes this school a stronger value if you qualify for need-based aid.
Come here for nursing, or if you land in a lower income tier and intend to finish. Look elsewhere if you'd borrow heavily for teacher education or an interdisciplinary degree.
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.