Students at Tennessee Wesleyan University benefit from private college affordability that rivals many public institutions, with particularly strong value for families qualifying for need-based aid.
The university's nursing programs provide clear pathways to stable, well-paying healthcare careers that support comfortable debt repayment.
Tennessee Wesleyan University is a small private nonprofit institution in Athens, Tennessee, that combines the intimate feel of a close-knit campus with practical career preparation. While the university faces challenges with graduation rates that are lower than many peers, it offers several distinctive advantages for the right students. Net prices are notably affordable for a private institution, with low-income families paying around $11,734 annually—well below what most private colleges charge.
The university's strongest academic programs center on nursing and healthcare fields, where graduates achieve solid earnings outcomes. Adult Health Nursing stands out as both the largest program and highest-earning field, with 76 graduates earning a median of $50,401 ten years after enrollment. This reflects Tennessee Wesleyan's practical focus on career-ready programs that connect directly to stable employment opportunities.
As a small institution serving 38% Pell Grant recipients and 41% first-generation students, Tennessee Wesleyan provides access to private higher education for students who might not otherwise afford it. The university's mobility outcomes place it in the "Under-Resourced Institutions" category, indicating that while it opens doors for students from modest backgrounds, financial outcomes vary significantly by program choice and individual persistence.
Tennessee Wesleyan University's program portfolio centers on practical, career-focused fields that connect directly to regional employment opportunities. Adult Health Nursing dominates both enrollment and earnings outcomes, with 76 graduates earning a median of $50,401—reflecting the strong demand for healthcare professionals in Tennessee and the premium that employers place on nursing credentials. This program represents the university's clearest pathway to solid financial returns and stable career prospects.
Business Administration, the second-largest program with 47 graduates, produces more modest earnings at $39,009, while Exercise Science and Kinesiology shows lower early-career returns at $25,194. This pattern underscores the importance of program selection at Tennessee Wesleyan, where healthcare fields significantly outperform other academic areas in terms of post-graduation earning potential.
The university's small scale means that each program's success depends heavily on regional employer demand and direct career pathways. Students who align with Tennessee Wesleyan's healthcare strengths, particularly nursing, benefit from established clinical partnerships and strong job placement rates. Those considering other fields should carefully evaluate career prospects and earnings potential, as the university's outcomes vary substantially across its academic portfolio.
Tennessee Wesleyan University graduates earn a median of $45,989 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution around the national average for earnings outcomes. However, this overall figure masks significant variation by field of study, with nursing and healthcare programs delivering much stronger financial returns than other areas. The university's value-added earnings performance shows graduates earning slightly less than similar students at comparable institutions, suggesting that program selection and individual effort play crucial roles in post-graduation success.
Nursing represents the university's strongest economic engine, with Adult Health Nursing graduates earning $50,401 at the ten-year mark—substantially above the institutional median. Business Administration, the second-largest program with 47 graduates, shows more modest outcomes at $39,009, while Exercise Science and Kinesiology graduates earn $25,194 early in their careers. This pattern reflects Tennessee Wesleyan's practical orientation toward healthcare and professional fields, where direct career pathways and regional employer demand support stronger earnings.
The university's small scale means that program choice matters enormously for financial outcomes. Students who align with the institution's healthcare strengths, particularly nursing, see solid returns on their investment. Those in other fields may find more variable results, making careful program selection essential for maximizing the value of a Tennessee Wesleyan education.
Tennessee Wesleyan University offers notably affordable access to private higher education, with net prices that compete favorably with many public institutions. Low-income students pay approximately $11,734 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $14,610—both figures representing strong value for private college education. Even high-income families pay $17,797, which remains reasonable compared to typical private institution pricing.
Debt levels are manageable for most graduates, with typical federal student loan debt of $20,000 and Parent PLUS borrowing averaging $16,426. These amounts align well with the university's earnings outcomes, particularly for students in nursing and healthcare programs where post-graduation income can comfortably support repayment. The institution maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates generally manage their debt obligations successfully.
The combination of affordable net prices and reasonable debt loads makes Tennessee Wesleyan accessible to families across income levels. For students who complete their degrees, particularly in the university's stronger programs, the financial investment typically proves sustainable given regional salary levels and the premium that healthcare employers place on nursing credentials.
Tennessee Wesleyan University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
