Bob Jones University
Bob Jones University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Bob Jones University at a Glance
Bob Jones University (BJU) is a private university in Greenville, South Carolina, United States. It is known for its conservative and evangelical cultural and religious positions. The university, with approximately 2,900 students, is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools. In 2017, the university estimated the number of its graduates at 40,184.
1927
99 years old
$21M
$20.5 million (2024)
2,893
2,477 undergrad · 416 grad
287
210 acres
Identity
Is Bob Jones University Worth It?
Bob Jones University offers moderate value at $16,641/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $44,354, which is 18% below average — meaning the financial payoff takes longer than typical. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.5 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 67% graduation rate means roughly 33% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How Bob Jones University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in SC
Ranked #11 of 267 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Berea College | 100 | $6,106 | $43,150 |
| #2 | College of the Ozarks | 100 | $6,100 | $41,592 |
| #3 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #4 | Trinity Washington University | 67 | $9,302 | $53,804 |
| #5 | University of Evansville | 49 | $18,499 | $53,770 |
| #6 | Bay Path University | 49 | $14,271 | $55,383 |
| #11 | Bob Jones University | 45 | $16,641 | $44,354 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Bob Jones University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 9 in SC.
Best Programs at Bob Jones University
The highest-earning program at Bob Jones University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $59,200/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at $26,200/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Bob Jones University earns $59,200, while a Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods graduate earns $26,200. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $18,875 in median debt vs. $15,500 for Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $16,641/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $59,200 | $59,200 | $18,875 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $44,200 | $44,200 | $17,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $31,200 | $31,200 | $15,287 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $28,300 | $28,300 | $18,280 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $26,200 | $26,200 | $15,500 |
Similar Colleges in SC
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Greenville, SC
- Student Body
- 2,005 students
- Graduation Rate
- 67%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $16,641
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $44,354
- Median Student Debt
- $16,585