Campbellsville University
Campbellsville University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Campbellsville University at a Glance
Campbellsville University (CU) is a private Christian university in Campbellsville, Kentucky, United States. It was founded as Russell Creek Academy and enrolls more than 12,000 students. The university offers associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees.
1906
120 years old
12,209
4,150 undergrad · 7,667 grad
463
Identity
Is Campbellsville University Worth It?
At a value score of 24/100, Campbellsville University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $41,583 — 23% below average — while paying $19,341/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.9 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 44% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Campbellsville University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Campbellsville University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #33 of 63 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 | Uta Mesivta of Kiryas Joel | 100 | $4,156 | $31,853 |
| #2 | Bob Jones University | 45 | $16,641 | $44,354 |
| #3 | Stetson University | 42 | $19,372 | $51,642 |
| #4 | Grace College and Theological Seminary | 40 | $19,932 | $45,411 |
| #5 | Evangel University | 40 | $18,669 | $46,573 |
| #6 | Gardner-Webb University | 40 | $17,674 | $48,039 |
| #33 | Campbellsville University | 24 | $19,341 | $41,583 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Campbellsville University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in KY.
Best Programs at Campbellsville University
The highest-earning program at Campbellsville University is Business/Commerce, General at $34,400/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Criminal Justice and Corrections at $26,600/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business/Commerce, General graduate from Campbellsville University earns $34,400, while a Criminal Justice and Corrections graduate earns $26,600. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Business/Commerce, General graduates carry $22,762 in median debt vs. $22,900 for Criminal Justice and Corrections.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $19,341/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General | $34,400 | $34,400 | $22,762 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $27,100 | $27,100 | $16,950 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $26,600 | $26,600 | $22,900 |
Similar Colleges in KY
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Campbellsville, KY
- Student Body
- 2,840 students
- Admission Rate
- 80%
- Graduation Rate
- 44%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $19,341
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $41,583
- Median Student Debt
- $17,156