Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Career OutcomesAzimuth ranks Johnson University #1431 for overall value on Azimuth's composite among nonprofit four-year institutions. Johnson University sits in the 2.7 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. Azimuth ranks Johnson University #845 for access among nonprofit four-year institutions — reflecting broad enrollment of Pell-eligible and first-generation students. --- Johnson University's composite ranking balances strong access outcomes with meaningful graduate earnings relative to cost. The institution serves a substantial share of Pell-eligible students while delivering earnings that exceed expectations for similar institutions.
Azimuth ranks Johnson University #1431 for overall value on Azimuth's composite among nonprofit four-year institutions. A private master's university in Knoxville, Tennessee, Johnson University enrolls roughly 743 undergraduates. The institution maintains a 69.4% freshman retention rate and a 56.8% six-year graduation rate, reflecting solid student persistence through degree completion. Johnson University performs strongest in return on investment. Azimuth ranks Johnson University #1423 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn about $25,986 less than similar students at comparable institutions, placing Johnson University in the 2.7 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. The institution's concentration in Theology — a field where graduates often move into stable, mission-driven careers — anchors this financial performance. Access and affordability sit lower in the composite. Johnson University sits in the 42.9 percentile for access and the 49.1 percentile for affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. 38.7% of undergraduates receive Pell Grants and 25.5% are first-generation college students, reflecting a student body with meaningful financial need. For families evaluating long-term value, Johnson University offers a focused academic mission paired with above-average earnings outcomes relative to comparable private institutions — a combination that works well for students committed to the institution's distinctive educational identity.
Johnson University's published cost of attendance is $34,244. Need-based financial aid reshapes that figure across income levels: low-income families pay approximately $17,246, middle-income families pay around $23,206, and higher-income families pay approximately $24,860. Azimuth ranks Johnson University #726 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. Net prices by income band are medians within those bands; individual aid packages vary, so some families in each band pay more and some less than the figures shown. Johnson University meets demonstrated financial need through a combination of need-based grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Families apply using the FAFSA and CSS Profile to determine eligibility. The institution's aid structure prioritizes need-based support, allowing families to understand their expected contribution before enrolling. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $21,500, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $26,079; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the Parent PLUS risk framework for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $42,004, median federal debt of $21,500 projects to a monthly payment of about $243 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use Azimuth's Financial GPS tool.
Johnson University is a private nonprofit institution in Knoxville, TN that serves students drawn to theology and ministry fields. Its program mix is concentrated in Theology, making it a strong fit for students whose interests align with those areas. Graduates earn median 4-year earnings of $42,004, placing Johnson University in the 1.9 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn about $25,986 less than similar students at comparable institutions, placing the institution in the 2.7 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. The institution enrolls a meaningful share of Pell-eligible and first-generation students — 38.7% of undergraduates receive Pell Grants and 25.5% are first-generation. Published cost of attendance is $24,860, and median federal debt at graduation is $21,500. Fit depends on two realistic filters: the 65.1% admit rate makes the application process selective, and the program mix favors theology and ministry fields over applied-professional ones. Students whose interests align with those areas will find the earnings trajectory and aid package competitive among nonprofit four-year institutions.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
Comprehensive Analysis
Detailed metrics, charts, and full data breakdown
Financial GPS Tool
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This is the Johnson University hub overview page. Related admissions, cost, outcomes, majors, and similar-school pages provide the detailed school data.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Johnson University's published cost of attendance is $34,244. Need-based financial aid reshapes that figure across income levels: low-income families pay approximately $17,246, middle-income families pay around $23,206, and higher-income families pay approximately $24,860.
Azimuth ranks Johnson University #726 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. Net prices by income band are medians within those bands; individual aid packages vary, so some families in each band pay more and some less than the figures shown.
Johnson University meets demonstrated financial need through a combination of need-based grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Families apply using the FAFSA and CSS Profile to determine eligibility.
The institution's aid structure prioritizes need-based support, allowing families to understand their expected contribution before enrolling. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $21,500, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $26,079; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the [Parent PLUS risk framework](/analysis/ou-what-happens-when-parents-borrow-too/) for how household context shapes PLUS decisions.
For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $42,004, median federal debt of $21,500 projects to a monthly payment of about $243 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use [Azimuth's Financial GPS tool](/analysis/financial-gps-framework/).
Graduates of Johnson University earn median 4-year earnings of $42,004, placing the institution in the 1.9 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn about $25,986 less than similar students at comparable institutions, placing Johnson University in the 2.7 percentile for [earnings beyond expectations](/analysis/a-value-added-approach-to-college-outcomes/) among nonprofit four-year institutions.
Azimuth ranks Johnson University #1423 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. The earnings pattern reflects Johnson University's concentration in theology and religious studies.
Bible/Biblical Studies is the largest program, graduating 157 students with median 4-year earnings of $39,600. Theological and Ministerial Studies and Business Administration together account for a substantial share of the degree output, with Theological and Ministerial Studies graduating 38 students and Business Administration graduating 23 students.
The institution's program mix is anchored in Theology, which shapes both the earnings trajectory and the career pathways available to graduates in faith-based and educational leadership roles.
Bible/Biblical Studies
157 graduates
Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology
7 graduates
Theological and Ministerial Studies
38 graduates
Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
14 graduates
Business Administration, Management and Operations
23 graduates
Johnson University's program mix centers on theology and religious studies — a signature aligned with the institution's faith-based identity. Bible/Biblical Studies is the largest program with 157 graduates annually, followed by Theological and Ministerial Studies, Business Administration, Psychology, General, and Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries.
Across 12 programs, 0 meet Azimuth's ranking threshold, with Business representing 7% of the degree portfolio. Bible/Biblical Studies leads the institution's earnings profile, with graduates earning median 4-year earnings of $39,600.
The program enrolls 157 students annually [per the program-ranking methodology](/analysis/college-program-rankings-how-to-actually-evaluate-programs/), positioning it as a meaningful economic contributor to the institution's overall outcomes. The concentration of theology and religious-studies-adjacent fields reflects Johnson University's positioning as a faith-centered institution where professional ministry preparation and theological education form the academic core.
Several of Johnson University's programs follow grad-school-dependent pathways where four-year earnings undercount lifetime trajectory, as graduates often continue to seminary, graduate divinity programs, or advanced theological study. The [supply and demand for college graduates](/analysis/supply-demand-map-college-degrees/) provides context for how theology and ministry-preparation fields align with national labor-market patterns and career-pathway expectations for faith-based professionals.
Explore alternatives with comparable outcomes based on location, selectivity, and value:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Lee University Higher acceptance rate (18.4 percentage points higher) with similar program focus and located 83 miles away; similar graduate earnings | TN | 72% | $43,222 | Compare |
Toccoa Falls College Higher acceptance rate (10 percentage points higher) with similar program focus and located 95 miles away; similar graduate earnings | GA | 64% | $36,630 | Compare |
University Of North Carolina Asheville Higher acceptance rate (40.1 percentage points higher) and located 70 miles away; similar graduate earnings | NC | 94% | $44,030 | Compare |
Columbia International University Higher acceptance rate (43.8 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | SC | 98% | $38,951 | Compare |
Ozark Christian College Higher acceptance rate (44.4 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | MO | 98% | $41,297 | Compare |
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Landmark College Similar quality tier (#36257 ranked) | VT | 49% | $29,813 | #36257 | Compare |
Moore College Of Art And Design Similar quality tier (#36255 ranked) | PA | 56% | $37,839 | #36255 | Compare |
Naropa University Similar quality tier (#36258 ranked) | CO | 100% | $28,720 | #36258 | Compare |
Ringling College Of Art And Design Similar quality tier in Southeast (#36259 ranked) | FL | 70% | $43,325 | #36259 | Compare |
Marymount Manhattan College Similar quality tier (#36260 ranked) | NY | 83% | $49,131 | #36260 | Compare |
