King University
King University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
King University at a Glance
King University is a Presbyterian-affiliated private university in Bristol, Tennessee, United States. Founded in 1867, King is independently governed with covenant affiliations to the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC).
1867
159 years old
$40M
$40.4 million (2025)
1,357
Identity
Is King University Worth It?
At a value score of 32/100, King University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $59,831 — 11% above average — while paying $22,347/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.5 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 47% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With a 100% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at King University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How King University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #29 of 79 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 | Trinity Washington University | 67 | $9,302 | $53,804 |
| #3 | Waynesburg University | 50 | $18,235 | $58,537 |
| #4 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| #5 | Loras College | 48 | $20,716 | $58,289 |
| #6 | Aquinas College | 48 | $16,626 | $49,584 |
| #29 | King University | 32 | $22,347 | $59,831 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of King 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 King University
The highest-earning program at King University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $53,700/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $37,400/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from King University earns $53,700, while a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate earns $37,400. 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 $20,949 in median debt vs. $21,000 for Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $22,347/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 | $53,700 | $53,700 | $20,949 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $37,400 | $37,400 | $21,000 |
Similar Colleges in TN
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Bristol, TN
- Student Body
- 908 students
- Admission Rate
- 100%
- Graduation Rate
- 47%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $22,347
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $59,831
- Median Student Debt
- $22,750