Tennessee Wesleyan University
Tennessee Wesleyan University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Tennessee Wesleyan University at a Glance
Tennessee Wesleyan University (TWU) is a private Methodist university in Athens, Tennessee. It was founded in 1857 and is affiliated with the Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church. It maintains a branch campus in Knoxville, where it offers evening programs in business administration. It also conducts its nursing classes in Knoxville.
1857
169 years old
1,052
184
Identity
Is Tennessee Wesleyan University Worth It?
At a value score of 35/100, Tennessee Wesleyan University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $45,989 — 14% below average — while paying $14,836/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.3 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 46% 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.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Tennessee Wesleyan University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Tennessee Wesleyan University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in TN
Ranked #25 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 | Ursuline College | 53 | $16,164 | $56,878 |
| #3 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| #4 | Illinois College | 45 | $18,298 | $52,575 |
| #5 | Lycoming College | 44 | $19,140 | $56,210 |
| #6 | Wesleyan College | 43 | $12,724 | $44,317 |
| #25 | Tennessee Wesleyan University | 35 | $14,836 | $45,989 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Tennessee Wesleyan University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 5 in TN.
Best Programs at Tennessee Wesleyan University
The highest-earning program at Tennessee Wesleyan University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $48,300/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Health and Physical Education/Fitness at $17,200/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Tennessee Wesleyan University earns $48,300, while a Health and Physical Education/Fitness graduate earns $17,200. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $14,836/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 | $48,300 | $48,300 | $15,320 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $37,000 | $37,000 | $18,750 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $32,900 | $32,900 | N/A |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $17,200 | $17,200 | N/A |
Similar Colleges in TN
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Athens, TN
- Student Body
- 846 students
- Admission Rate
- 69%
- Graduation Rate
- 46%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $14,836
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $45,989
- Median Student Debt
- $20,000