Students at Freed-Hardeman University benefit from strong outcomes in key programs like nursing, where graduates earn well above the institutional average.
The university's small size and Christian mission create a supportive environment for students seeking both academic preparation and spiritual development.
Freed-Hardeman University is a small private nonprofit institution in Henderson, Tennessee, that serves students seeking a Christian liberal arts education with career-focused programs. The university enrolls about 22% Pell Grant recipients and 19% first-generation students, reflecting a student body that includes both traditional college families and those seeking upward mobility through higher education.
The institution's strongest outcomes come through its nursing program, which graduates about 50 students annually with median earnings of $55,061 ten years after enrollment. Adult and Continuing Education represents the largest program by enrollment with 36 graduates, while Bible/Biblical Studies rounds out the top programs with strong earnings outcomes for ministry-focused careers.
As a small Christian university, Freed-Hardeman offers the personalized attention and faith-integrated curriculum that many students seek, though outcomes vary significantly by program choice. Students considering this institution should carefully evaluate program-specific career prospects and ensure their chosen field aligns with their long-term financial goals.
Freed-Hardeman University's program portfolio centers on three main areas that reflect its mission and regional workforce needs. Nursing stands out as both the highest-earning and most substantial program, graduating 50 students annually with strong median earnings of $55,061 that reflect the high demand for healthcare professionals in Tennessee and surrounding states.
Adult and Continuing Education represents the university's largest program by enrollment with 36 graduates, serving working professionals who are advancing their careers while balancing other responsibilities. Bible and Biblical Studies, with 23 graduates earning $52,107, demonstrates how ministry-focused programs can lead to solid financial outcomes when graduates enter leadership roles in religious organizations or pursue related professional paths.
The concentration in these three areas—healthcare, adult education, and ministry—reflects Freed-Hardeman's focus on service-oriented careers that align with its Christian mission. Students considering this institution should evaluate whether their career interests match these program strengths, as the university's relatively narrow academic focus means fewer options for students whose interests lie outside these core areas.
Graduates of Freed-Hardeman University earn a median of $47,485 ten years after enrollment, which places the institution around the middle of the national distribution for long-term earnings. However, outcomes vary considerably by program, with nursing graduates earning $55,061 and Bible studies graduates earning $52,107, while education majors see more modest returns at $36,107.
The university's strongest financial outcomes come from its nursing program, which combines solid enrollment numbers with above-average earnings for the healthcare field. Adult and Continuing Education, the largest program by enrollment, serves working professionals seeking career advancement but shows more moderate earnings outcomes. Bible and ministry programs, central to the university's mission, provide preparation for service-oriented careers where financial returns may be secondary to vocational calling.
For students in the right programs, particularly nursing and select ministry tracks, Freed-Hardeman can provide a solid return on investment. However, the relatively narrow program mix means students should carefully consider whether their career interests align with the university's strengths before enrolling.
Freed-Hardeman University's net prices vary significantly by family income, with low-income students paying about $15,478 annually after aid, middle-income families paying $19,533, and higher-income families facing costs around $23,201. These prices reflect the typical pattern for small private colleges, where substantial financial aid helps make attendance possible for students from diverse economic backgrounds.
Typical graduates leave with about $21,500 in federal student loan debt, a manageable level given the institution's focus on career-oriented programs like nursing that lead to stable employment. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $14,051, which is relatively modest compared to many private institutions. The university's loan repayment patterns show that most borrowers are making steady progress on their debt, with repayment rates that exceed national averages.
The key to affordability at Freed-Hardeman lies in program selection and career planning. Students entering high-demand fields like nursing can more easily justify the private college premium, while those in lower-earning fields should carefully consider whether the additional cost over public alternatives aligns with their career and financial goals.
Freed-Hardeman University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
