Christian Brothers University
Christian Brothers University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Christian Brothers University at a Glance
Christian Brothers University is a private Catholic university in Memphis, Tennessee, United States. It was founded in 1871 by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, a Catholic teaching order.
1871
155 years old
$35M
$35,000,000
1,772
1,155 undergrad · 617 grad
85
76 acres
Identity
Is Christian Brothers University Worth It?
Christian Brothers University is one of the strongest value propositions in higher education. At $9,854/year net price and $57,478 median earnings, graduates earn 5.8× their annual cost within a decade of enrolling.
The investment pays for itself in just 0.7 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 55% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 6 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: Christian Brothers University delivers strong financial returns that justify the investment for most students.
How Christian Brothers University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #2 of 128 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 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #2 | Christian Brothers University | 81 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| #3 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #4 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #5 | Clarkson College | 57 | $19,241 | $64,876 |
| #6 | Goldey-Beacom College | 56 | $15,554 | $59,892 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Christian Brothers University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in TN.
Best Programs at Christian Brothers University
The highest-earning program at Christian Brothers University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $68,900/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Natural Sciences at $23,300/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Christian Brothers University earns $68,900, while a Natural Sciences graduate earns $23,300. 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 $19,010 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Natural Sciences.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $9,854/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 | $68,900 | $68,900 | $19,010 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $34,100 | $34,100 | $27,000 |
| Natural Sciences | $23,300 | $23,300 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in TN
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Memphis, TN
- Student Body
- 905 students
- Admission Rate
- 87%
- Graduation Rate
- 55%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $9,854
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $57,478
- Median Student Debt
- $27,000