At $26,815/yr net price, Union University graduates earn $53,990/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $19,990/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $26,815 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $107,260 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $53,990/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$19,990/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 70.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,714 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $24,793/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $21,812/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $25,531/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $27,440/yr |
| $110,001+ | $29,835/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $120,955 | $209,190 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $90,412 | $45,333 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $70,680 | $75,008 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $70,456 | $51,250 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $61,516 | $34,108 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $58,673 | $17,437 |
| Theology and Religious Vocations, Other. | Master | $47,260 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $47,191 | $18,074 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $44,590 | |
| Education, General. | Master | $43,674 | $41,000 |
The Risk Factor
70.9% of students at Union University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 29% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Union University delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. The pharmacy program stands out with $120,955 median earnings, though you'll carry $209,190 in debt that takes years to pay down. Nursing graduates earn $90,412 with more manageable $45,333 debt, making it the strongest ROI program on campus.
Business and education majors see decent earnings in the $60,000-$70,000 range, but debt loads vary widely. Educational administration graduates carry $75,008 in debt for $70,680 earnings, while some education tracks require only $34,108 debt for $61,516 income. The 70.9% graduation rate means nearly three in ten students leave without a degree but often with debt.
Union works best for nursing and pharmacy students who can leverage the school's strong healthcare programs in Tennessee's growing medical sector. The $26,815 net price is reasonable for private education, but only 25% of students receive need-based aid, limiting access for middle-income families. Merit scholarships exist but competition is intense.
Skip Union if you're considering liberal arts majors not listed in the top earnings data. The regional job market favors healthcare and business, leaving other graduates with limited local opportunities and potentially weak returns on your $26,815 annual investment. The school's Christian focus appeals to some families but won't boost your earning potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Union University worth the cost compared to other schools?
Union University graduates earn $53,990 ten years after graduation, which is below the national average for college graduates. With a net price of $26,815 annually and median debt of $20,714, the return on investment is modest unless you pursue high-paying programs like pharmacy or nursing.
What Union University programs have the best job prospects and salaries?
Pharmacy graduates from Union University earn around $120,955, making it the school's strongest financial investment. Nursing programs also pay well at $90,412, while business and education programs yield lower returns around $61,516-$70,456.
How much student debt do Union University graduates typically have?
Union University graduates leave with a median debt of $20,714, which is manageable compared to many private schools. However, this debt load may be challenging for graduates in lower-paying fields like education who earn around $61,516.
Does Union University provide good financial aid to reduce costs?
Union University's net price of $26,815 suggests decent financial aid for a private school, though costs remain high for Tennessee residents. Students should carefully compare aid packages with state schools that may offer better value for similar programs.