Trevecca Nazarene University
Trevecca Nazarene University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Trevecca Nazarene University at a Glance
Trevecca Nazarene University (TNU) is a private Nazarene liberal arts college in Nashville, Tennessee. It was founded in 1901.
1901
125 years old
$72M
$72.1 million (2024)
3,196
1,825 undergrad · 1,371 grad
Identity
Is Trevecca Nazarene University Worth It?
Trevecca Nazarene University offers moderate value at $16,813/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $49,378, which is 8% below average — meaning the financial payoff takes longer than typical. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.4 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 54% 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.
How Trevecca Nazarene University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in TN
Ranked #16 of 129 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 | Canisius University | 58 | $17,940 | $60,681 |
| #2 | University of Mary | 58 | $17,770 | $60,909 |
| #3 | Fresno Pacific University | 57 | $13,630 | $58,896 |
| #4 | North Park University | 50 | $16,948 | $59,572 |
| #5 | University of Evansville | 49 | $18,499 | $53,770 |
| #6 | Illinois College | 45 | $18,298 | $52,575 |
| #16 | Trevecca Nazarene University | 40 | $16,813 | $49,378 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Trevecca Nazarene University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 10 in TN.
Best Programs at Trevecca Nazarene University
The highest-earning program at Trevecca Nazarene University is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $42,200/year (4 years after graduation).
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate from Trevecca Nazarene University earns $42,200, while a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate earns $42,200. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Business Administration, Management and Operations graduates carry $17,250 in median debt vs. $17,250 for Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $16,813/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $42,200 | $42,200 | $17,250 |
Similar Colleges in TN
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Nashville, TN
- Student Body
- 1,737 students
- Admission Rate
- 69%
- Graduation Rate
- 54%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $16,813
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $49,378
- Median Student Debt
- $18,744