Tusculum University
Tusculum University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Tusculum University at a Glance
Tusculum University is a private Presbyterian university with its main campus in Tusculum, Tennessee. It is Tennessee's first university and the 28th-oldest operating college or university in the United States.
Is Tusculum University Worth It?
At a value score of 15/100, Tusculum University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $44,367 — 18% below average — while paying $21,131/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.9 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 28% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 3 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 $23,250 representing 52% 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 Tusculum University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Tusculum University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in TN
Ranked #121 of 137 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 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #3 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| #4 | University of Fort Lauderdale | 48 | $19,965 | $38,062 |
| #5 | Illinois College | 45 | $18,298 | $52,575 |
| #6 | Boricua College | 43 | $15,245 | $35,348 |
| #121 | Tusculum University | 15 | $21,131 | $44,367 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Tusculum 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 Tusculum University
The highest-earning program at Tusculum University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $46,000/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Health and Physical Education/Fitness at $22,800/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Tusculum University earns $46,000, while a Health and Physical Education/Fitness graduate earns $22,800. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. 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 $22,750 in median debt vs. $25,250 for Health and Physical Education/Fitness.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $21,131/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 | $46,000 | $46,000 | $22,750 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $40,200 | $40,200 | $25,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $33,100 | $33,100 | $17,169 |
| Psychology, General | $26,600 | $26,600 | $28,250 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $22,800 | $22,800 | $25,250 |
Similar Colleges in TN
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Greeneville, TN
- Student Body
- 785 students
- Admission Rate
- 72%
- Graduation Rate
- 28%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $21,131
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $44,367
- Median Student Debt
- $23,250