At $22,874/yr net price, Tusculum University graduates earn $44,367/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,367/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $22,874 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $91,496 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,367/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,367/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 8.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 30.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,818/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,160/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,842/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $27,678/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,388/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $68,219 | $19,425 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $45,361 | $23,497 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $40,346 | $24,812 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $39,860 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $39,677 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $37,208 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $35,009 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $28,327 | $26,630 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $25,194 | |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $23,538 | $21,100 |
The Risk Factor
30.5% of students at Tusculum University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Tusculum University delivers weak financial returns for most students, with median earnings barely exceeding $44,000 ten years after graduation despite a net price approaching $23,000 annually. The 30% graduation rate creates substantial risk that you'll accumulate debt without completing your degree.
Business Administration stands out as the clear financial winner, with top earners reaching $68,219 annually and relatively low debt loads around $19,425. Nursing offers solid middle-ground returns at $45,361 with manageable debt. Education majors face poor prospects, with teacher preparation programs yielding under $40,000 in earnings while carrying similar debt burdens to higher-paying fields.
The school's 58% retention rate signals academic or financial struggles that force many students to leave after freshman year. Combined with the low graduation rate, you face significant odds of dropping out with debt but no degree. The $23,250 median debt load appears reasonable until you consider the weak earning potential across most programs.
Tusculum works best for students pursuing Business Administration who can leverage the program's strong regional connections in East Tennessee. Nursing students also find solid value given healthcare demand in rural Tennessee. Education majors should look elsewhere unless they're committed to teaching in the region despite low salaries.
Nearly half of students receive financial aid, suggesting the school offers substantial discounts from sticker price. Focus on merit scholarships and negotiate aggressively, as the published net price may overstate your actual costs. However, even with generous aid, the combination of low graduation rates and weak earnings makes Tusculum a risky investment for most students outside business and nursing programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tusculum University worth the cost?
Tusculum University's low 30.5% graduation rate and median earnings of $44,367 make it a risky investment for most students. With a net price of $22,874 annually, only specific programs like business administration offer decent returns.
What are the best paying majors at Tusculum University?
Business administration graduates earn around $68,219 annually, making it the strongest ROI program at Tusculum. Nursing graduates earn $45,361, while education programs typically pay under $40,000.
How much debt do Tusculum University graduates have?
Tusculum graduates carry a median debt of $23,250. Given the school's low graduation rate and modest earnings outcomes, this debt level poses significant financial risk for students who don't complete their degree.
Does Tusculum University have good job outcomes?
Tusculum's 10-year median earnings of $44,367 are below average for college graduates. The 30.5% graduation rate means most students never complete their degree, making job outcomes poor for the majority who enroll.