Johnson University stands out for maintaining financial responsibility among graduates, with no federal loan defaults despite modest post-graduation earnings.
The institution provides meaningful access to Christian higher education for students from diverse economic backgrounds, though career outcomes reflect the service-oriented nature of ministry and biblical studies programs.
Johnson University is a small private Christian institution in Knoxville, Tennessee, that serves students primarily called to ministry and biblical studies. The university enrolls a substantial share of Pell-eligible students (38%) and first-generation college students (25%), reflecting its commitment to serving diverse backgrounds within the Christian community. However, graduates face significant financial challenges, with median 10-year earnings of $40,596 placing the institution in the bottom third nationally for long-term economic outcomes.
The university's mission centers on preparing students for Christian ministry and service, which helps explain why nearly all degree programs focus on biblical studies and divinity. While this specialized focus serves students with clear vocational callings, it also means graduates typically enter lower-paying service fields rather than high-earning professional careers. The institution falls into the "Under-Resourced Institutions" mobility category, indicating that while it provides access to higher education, financial outcomes remain challenging.
For families considering Johnson University, the decision should center on alignment with the institution's Christian mission and acceptance that career paths will likely emphasize service over salary. The university offers meaningful access to Christian higher education, but prospective students should carefully consider the long-term financial implications of this educational choice.
Johnson University's academic focus centers almost entirely on Christian ministry and biblical education, with Bible/Biblical Studies and Divinity/Ministry representing the primary degree pathways. The Bible/Biblical Studies program, graduating 148 students annually, serves as the institution's academic cornerstone with median earnings of $25,310 ten years after graduation. The smaller Divinity/Ministry program produces 36 graduates with similar earning outcomes around $25,194.
These programs prepare students for careers in pastoral ministry, Christian education, missionary work, and faith-based nonprofit leadership. While earnings remain modest by secular standards, graduates enter meaningful service roles that align with their calling and the institution's Christian mission. The concentrated program portfolio reflects Johnson University's specialized identity rather than comprehensive academic breadth.
As a focused Christian institution, Johnson University graduates a relatively small but dedicated cohort each year into ministry and service roles. This specialized network creates strong connections within Christian organizations and churches, though it limits exposure to broader professional networks and higher-earning career paths available through more diversified academic programs.
Johnson University graduates face significant financial challenges in the job market. Ten years after enrollment, the median graduate earns $40,596, placing the institution in the bottom third nationally for long-term earnings outcomes. More concerning, graduates earn substantially less than similar students at other institutions, with earnings falling about $14,222 below expectations when compared to peers with similar backgrounds and characteristics.
The university's program focus explains much of this earnings pattern. Bible/Biblical Studies, the largest program with 148 graduates, leads to median earnings of just $25,310 ten years out. Divinity/Ministry programs, with 36 graduates, produce similar outcomes at $25,194. These fields, while meaningful for students called to ministry and service, typically offer limited earning potential compared to business, healthcare, or technology programs found at other institutions.
While 21 graduates do achieve earnings above $75,000, this represents a small fraction of the total cohort. The university's specialized mission in Christian education and ministry preparation means most career paths lead to service-oriented roles in churches, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations where compensation tends to be modest but purpose-driven.
Johnson University offers relatively manageable net prices across income levels, though debt burdens can be concerning given graduate earning potential. Low-income families pay about $14,271 annually, middle-income families see costs around $18,930, and higher-income families face net prices of $23,774. These figures place the institution near national averages for private colleges, making the upfront costs accessible for many Christian families seeking faith-based education.
However, the debt picture requires careful consideration. Typical graduates leave with $21,500 in federal student loan debt, and families often take on an additional $18,788 in Parent PLUS loans. While these amounts might be manageable at institutions where graduates earn $60,000 or more, they become more challenging when median earnings reach only $40,596. The university does maintain a 0% federal loan default rate, suggesting that graduates generally avoid outright default, though this may reflect forbearance, deferment, or income-driven repayment rather than comfortable repayment.
Families should carefully weigh the total borrowing against realistic post-graduation earning potential. The institution's mission-driven focus means financial returns may not align with typical higher education investment expectations, making affordability planning especially important for prospective students and their families.
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