Johnson University
Johnson University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Johnson University at a Glance
Johnson University is a private Christian university headquartered in Kimberlin Heights, Tennessee, United States. Rooted in the tenets of the Restoration Movement, it maintains affiliation with the Christian churches and churches of Christ.
1893
133 years old
$139M
$139.3 million (2024)
1,005
61
300 acres
Identity
Is Johnson University Worth It?
At a value score of 27/100, Johnson University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $40,596 — 25% below average — while paying $22,063/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.2-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
A 59% 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.
With median debt of $21,500 representing 53% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Johnson University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Johnson University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in TN
Ranked #28 of 87 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 | Turtle Mountain College | 100 | $3,428 | $32,079 |
| #2 | College of Biblical Studies-Houston | 100 | $672 | $39,260 |
| #3 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| #4 | University of Fort Lauderdale | 48 | $19,965 | $38,062 |
| #5 | Wesleyan College | 43 | $12,724 | $44,317 |
| #6 | Boricua College | 43 | $15,245 | $35,348 |
| #28 | Johnson University | 27 | $22,063 | $40,596 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Johnson University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 4 in TN.
Best Programs at Johnson University
The highest-earning program at Johnson University is Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions at $25,300/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Bible/Biblical Studies at $23,400/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions graduate from Johnson University earns $25,300, while a Bible/Biblical Studies graduate earns $23,400. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions graduates carry $31,000 in median debt vs. $25,000 for Bible/Biblical Studies.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $22,063/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions | $25,300 | $25,300 | $31,000 |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies | $24,900 | $24,900 | $22,997 |
| Bible/Biblical Studies | $23,400 | $23,400 | $25,000 |
Similar Colleges in TN
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Knoxville, TN
- Student Body
- 743 students
- Admission Rate
- 65%
- Graduation Rate
- 59%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $22,063
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $40,596
- Median Student Debt
- $21,500