Maryville College
Maryville College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Maryville College at a Glance
Maryville College is a private liberal arts college in Maryville, Tennessee. It was founded in 1819 by Presbyterian minister Isaac L. Anderson for the purpose of furthering education and enlightenment in what was then America's southwestern frontier. The college is one of the 50 oldest colleges in the United States and the 12th-oldest institution in the South. It is associated with the Presbyterian Church (USA) and enrolls about 1,100 students. Its mascot is the Scots, and sports teams compete i…
1819
207 years old
$111M
$111.2 million (2024)
1,147
79
320 acres
Identity
Is Maryville College Worth It?
At a value score of 31/100, Maryville College is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $49,279 — 8% below average — while paying $19,360/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.6 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 49% 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 median debt of $25,375 representing 51% 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 Maryville College has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Maryville College compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in TN
Ranked #51 of 125 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 | College of Biblical Studies-Houston | 100 | $672 | $39,260 |
| #2 | Fresno Pacific University | 57 | $13,630 | $58,896 |
| #3 | Hallmark University | 54 | $12,513 | $40,183 |
| #4 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| #5 | Coe College | 48 | $18,745 | $57,125 |
| #6 | Lawrence University | 46 | $23,401 | $55,789 |
| #51 | Maryville College | 31 | $19,360 | $49,279 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Maryville College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 7 in TN.
Best Programs at Maryville College
Program-level earnings data isn't available for Maryville College. When evaluating whether to attend, research outcomes for your specific major using the Department of Education's College Scorecard or ask the admissions office for placement rates.
As a general rule: STEM, nursing, accounting, and computer science programs tend to deliver the strongest ROI regardless of institution. Humanities and arts programs can still be worthwhile, but require more intentional career planning to achieve financial payoff.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $19,360/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
Similar Colleges in TN
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Maryville, TN
- Student Body
- 1,005 students
- Admission Rate
- 61%
- Graduation Rate
- 49%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $19,360
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $49,279
- Median Student Debt
- $25,375