Union University
Union University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Union University at a Glance
Union University is a private Baptist university in Jackson, Tennessee, with additional campuses in Germantown and Hendersonville. The university is affiliated with the Tennessee Baptist Convention. It was established in 1875 as "Southwestern Baptist University" on the campus of the former West Tennessee College. It absorbed the Hall-Moody Junior College of Martin, Tennessee.
1823
203 years old
$55M
$55.2 million (2024)
2,731
201
290 acres
Identity
Is Union University Worth It?
At a value score of 34/100, Union University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $53,990 — 0% above average — while paying $27,171/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 2 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 68% graduation rate means roughly 32% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Union University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Union University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in TN
Ranked #39 of 81 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 | Carroll University | 67 | $15,193 | $58,009 |
| #2 | Fresno Pacific University | 57 | $13,630 | $58,896 |
| #3 | Gustavus Adolphus College | 55 | $22,900 | $65,607 |
| #4 | North Park University | 50 | $16,948 | $59,572 |
| #5 | Coe College | 48 | $18,745 | $57,125 |
| #6 | Daemen University | 48 | $18,693 | $61,808 |
| #39 | Union University | 34 | $27,171 | $53,990 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Union University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 3 in TN.
Best Programs at Union University
The highest-earning program at Union University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $58,100/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $27,100/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Union University earns $58,100, while a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate earns $27,100. 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 $20,750 in median debt vs. $27,913 for Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $27,171/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 | $58,100 | $58,100 | $20,750 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $45,100 | $45,100 | $27,253 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $35,100 | $35,100 | N/A |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $34,700 | $34,700 | N/A |
| Social Work | $27,400 | $27,400 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $27,100 | $27,100 | $27,913 |
Similar Colleges in TN
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Jackson, TN
- Student Body
- 1,607 students
- Admission Rate
- 60%
- Graduation Rate
- 68%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $27,171
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $53,990
- Median Student Debt
- $20,714