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 gives you a mixed financial picture. You'll pay about $26,815 a year and leave with median debt near $20,714 against median earnings of $53,990 ten years out. That debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable, and the 70.9% graduation rate plus 86.85% retention mean most people who start actually finish. The bigger question is which major you pick, because the earnings gap across programs here is wide.
Nursing is the clear winner. At $58,673 a year with the lowest debt of any listed program, it pays off fast and matches steady demand for nurses across Tennessee. Your debt sits below your first-year salary, which is the position you want.
The education programs are where the math turns against you. Teacher preparation lands in the mid-$30,000s, and liberal arts and general studies sit around $34,000 to $35,000. You'll pay the same $26,815 tuition for those degrees, so the return is thin. If you plan to teach, you can do it, but go in knowing your starting salary will trail your classmates in nursing by more than $20,000.
The net price tiers are unusual. If your family earns under $30,000, you'll pay about $24,793, which is more than the $21,812 charged to families in the $30,000 to $48,000 band. Aid does not scale smoothly with need at the bottom, so the lowest-income families here don't get the biggest discount.
Union works best for you if you're headed into nursing. If you want to teach or study the humanities, price out the debt against a mid-$30,000 salary before you commit, and compare a cheaper public option.
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.