Students at Trevecca Nazarene University achieve above-average long-term earnings while benefiting from some of the most affordable net prices among private Christian institutions.
The combination of solid financial outcomes and manageable debt creates a sustainable path to career success in Nashville's growing economy.
Trevecca Nazarene University is a small private Christian university in Nashville that combines personal attention with solid long-term outcomes. With nearly 40% first-generation students and about 30% receiving Pell Grants, the university serves a diverse student body while maintaining strong graduation rates and reasonable debt levels. Graduates earn a median of $49,378 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution above average nationally for earnings outcomes.
The university's strength lies in its balance of accessibility and results. Net prices remain manageable across income levels, with low-income students paying around $11,013 annually and middle-income families seeing costs of about $12,303. This affordability, combined with a 55% six-year graduation rate, helps explain why Trevecca falls into the "Opportunity Builders" category for economic mobility.
As a small Christian university in Nashville, Trevecca offers the intimacy of a close-knit campus with access to one of the South's most dynamic job markets. The combination of faith-based education, personal mentorship, and proximity to Nashville's growing economy creates opportunities for students who want both spiritual development and career preparation in a supportive environment.
Trevecca's program portfolio reflects a practical approach to career preparation, with Business Administration and Management serving as the institutional cornerstone. This program graduates 179 students annually with median earnings of $43,798, making it both the largest and highest aggregate return major. The substantial enrollment demonstrates student confidence in the program's career outcomes and employer connections throughout Nashville's business community.
The university also invests in emerging fields, as evidenced by its Artificial Intelligence program. Though smaller with 26 graduates, this program produces some of the highest early-career earnings at $55,964, reflecting Nashville's growing technology sector and demand for specialized skills. This combination of traditional business education and forward-looking technology programs positions graduates well for both established and emerging career paths.
The program mix emphasizes practical skills and professional preparation rather than purely academic pursuits. This approach aligns well with the university's mission of preparing students for immediate career success while providing the Christian foundation that many students and families value. The focus on career-relevant education helps explain why graduates achieve above-average earnings despite coming from a relatively small institution.
Graduates of Trevecca Nazarene University achieve solid long-term financial outcomes, with median earnings of $49,378 ten years after enrollment. This performance places the university above average nationally, reflecting the institution's ability to prepare students for stable, well-paying careers. While earnings don't dramatically exceed expectations compared to similar institutions, they represent meaningful economic progress for the diverse student body the university serves.
The university's program portfolio centers on practical, career-focused fields that align well with Nashville's economy. Business Administration and Management stands out as both the largest program and highest aggregate return major, graduating 179 students with median earnings of $43,798. The program's substantial enrollment combined with solid earnings makes it a key economic driver for the institution. Artificial Intelligence, though smaller with 26 graduates, demonstrates the university's investment in emerging fields, with graduates earning $55,964 early in their careers.
Trevecca's location in Nashville provides graduates access to diverse industries including healthcare, music, technology, and finance. The city's growing economy and relatively moderate cost of living help graduates maximize their earning potential while building careers in a vibrant metropolitan area. This geographic advantage, combined with the university's focus on practical skills and professional preparation, supports the strong employment outcomes that drive above-average earnings performance.
Affordability represents one of Trevecca Nazarene University's strongest advantages, with net prices that remain manageable across all income levels. Low-income students pay approximately $11,013 annually, well below many private institutions, while middle-income families see costs around $12,303. Even high-income families face net prices of $19,093, which is reasonable for a private Christian university offering small class sizes and personalized attention.
The university's financial aid strategy effectively reduces sticker price to manageable levels for most families. This approach helps explain why students graduate with relatively modest debt loads despite attending a private institution. The combination of need-based aid, merit scholarships, and institutional grants creates predictable pricing that allows families to plan effectively for the full cost of a degree.
Debt levels remain sustainable for most graduates, with typical federal student loan debt of $18,744 and Parent PLUS borrowing averaging $12,373. Given the university's median graduate earnings of nearly $49,400, most borrowers can handle standard repayment comfortably. The institution's loan repayment patterns show healthy progress, with borrowers consistently paying down balances faster than national averages, indicating that debt levels align well with post-graduation earning capacity.
Trevecca Nazarene University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
