Freed-Hardeman University
Freed-Hardeman University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Freed-Hardeman University at a Glance
Freed–Hardeman University is a private university associated with the Churches of Christ and located in Henderson, Tennessee, United States. It is primarily undergraduate and residential. The university also serves some commuting, part-time and adult students on-campus and through distance-learning programs.
1869
157 years old
$96M
$96.2 million (2025)
2,283
1,850 undergrad · 433 grad
96 acres
Identity
Is Freed-Hardeman University Worth It?
At a value score of 38/100, Freed-Hardeman University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $47,485 — 12% below average — while paying $21,574/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.8 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 70% graduation rate means roughly 30% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Freed-Hardeman University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Freed-Hardeman University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in TN
Ranked #13 of 82 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 | Fresno Pacific University | 57 | $13,630 | $58,896 |
| #2 | Hallmark University | 54 | $12,513 | $40,183 |
| #3 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| #4 | St. Francis College | 43 | $18,129 | $58,099 |
| #5 | Mount St. Joseph University | 43 | $16,530 | $51,509 |
| #6 | Marywood University | 43 | $23,388 | $55,817 |
| #13 | Freed-Hardeman University | 38 | $21,574 | $47,485 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Freed-Hardeman University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 6 in TN.
Best Programs at Freed-Hardeman University
The highest-earning program at Freed-Hardeman University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $54,600/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other at $34,300/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Freed-Hardeman University earns $54,600, while a Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other graduate earns $34,300. 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 $27,000 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $21,574/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 | $54,600 | $54,600 | $27,000 |
| Bible/Biblical Studies | $43,700 | $43,700 | $19,125 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $34,400 | $34,400 | $27,000 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $34,300 | $34,300 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in TN
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Henderson, TN
- Student Body
- 1,212 students
- Admission Rate
- 60%
- Graduation Rate
- 70%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $21,574
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $47,485
- Median Student Debt
- $21,500