King University combines excellent return on investment with above-average access for diverse student populations. As an Opportunity Builder, the university delivers $23,912 in earnings beyond expectations while maintaining debt levels below peer institutions, supporting strong career outcomes for first-generation and Pell-eligible students.
With top-tier performance, reflecting the university's effectiveness in translating educational investment into career outcomes
Around the national average, reflecting moderate net prices and debt levels
With above-average performance, indicating strong enrollment of Pell-eligible and first-generation students relative to similar institutions
Modestly below average, indicating that while the institution serves diverse students and delivers strong earnings uplift, overall mobility outcomes are constrained by completion rates
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisKing University generates exceptional earnings beyond expectations while maintaining manageable debt levels. Graduates earn a median of $59,831 ten years after enrollment, with earnings spanning from $37,050 at the 25th percentile to $88,672 at the 75th percentile.
This 2.4:1 ratio reflects varied career trajectories across healthcare, business, and social service programs. The institution produces $23,912 in earnings beyond expectations, ranking at the 95.7th percentile nationally and representing top-tier performance.
Students seeking career-focused education at a small private institution, particularly those interested in healthcare, business, and criminal justice programs. Well-suited for first-generation students (51.1%) and Pell-eligible students (41.9%) who value personalized attention and strong earnings beyond expectations despite moderate graduation rates.
King University admits 54.4% of applicants, meaning approximately 1 in 2 students receives an offer of admission. This places King University in the Moderately Selective category, admitting between 50-75% of applicants. The peer median admission rate of 75.6% indicates that King University is somewhat more selective than typical institutions in its comparison group, with an admission rate 21.2 percentage points lower than the peer median.
This level of selectivity means that while admission is not guaranteed, most academically prepared students have reasonable chances of acceptance. Students should still demonstrate strong academic preparation and genuine interest in King University's career-focused programs, particularly in healthcare and business fields where the university excels. For students building college lists, King University represents a solid target school rather than a reach institution, though applicants should still present competitive academic credentials and clear alignment with the university's mission and program offerings.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
King University's published cost of attendance reaches $47,469 per year, including $34,800 in tuition, $10,262 for room and board, and $1,706 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $23,508 after financial aid, representing savings of $23,961 from the sticker price. This net price falls slightly above the peer median of $21,812, indicating costs run $1,696 higher than similar institutions.
The university's financial aid approach provides substantial support, reducing costs by more than 50% for the typical student. Net prices range from $22,300 for students from families earning under $30,000 to $26,331 for families earning over $110,000, showing a progressive aid structure that concentrates support toward lower-income students. This pricing structure aligns with King University's mission of serving diverse student populations, including the 41.9% of students who are Pell-eligible, while maintaining the financial sustainability necessary for delivering quality career-focused programs.
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing.
113 graduates
Clinical Research Coordinator.
42 graduates
Business/Commerce, General.
36 graduates
Business Administration and Management, General.
131 graduates
Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching.
24 graduates
Explore alternatives with comparable outcomes based on location, selectivity, and value:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Radford University Higher acceptance rate (36.2 percentage points higher) with similar program focus and located 97 miles away; similar graduate earnings | VA | 91% | $53,739 | Compare |
Comprehensive Analysis
Detailed metrics, charts, and full data breakdown
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This is the King University hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/king-university/analysis.
Top 5% nationally for earnings beyond expectations
King University ranks #472 nationally in Azimuth's analysis, with return performance at the 92.5th percentile reflecting excellent return on educational investment. Located in Bristol, Tennessee, this small private nonprofit university admits 54.4% of applicants while serving a diverse student population including 41.9% Pell-eligible and 51.1% first-generation students.
The institution demonstrates above-average access compared to peers, ranking at the 65.0th percentile on access measures. Graduates earn $23,912 beyond expectations relative to similar students, placing King University at the 95.7th percentile nationally for earnings uplift.
With median earnings of $59,831 ten years after enrollment, the university ranks in the 71.0th percentile for long-term earnings outcomes. Compared to peer median earnings of $50,412, King graduates earn $9,419 more annually.
This combination positions King University as an Opportunity Builder, delivering strong economic outcomes for students from diverse backgrounds despite moderate completion rates.
King University graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth from early to mid-career. Median earnings increase from $52,248 six years after enrollment to $57,020 at eight years and $59,831 at ten years, representing 14.5% growth from the six-year mark. These outcomes are based on cohorts ranging from 1,010 graduates at ten years to 1,602 at six years, providing confidence in reported figures across multiple graduating classes.
The institution generates $23,912 in earnings beyond expectations, placing it at the 95.7th percentile nationally for earnings uplift relative to student demographics and program mix. Low-income graduates earn $42,500, demonstrating the university's effectiveness in supporting economic advancement for students from diverse backgrounds. Earnings distribution shows meaningful variation, with outcomes ranging from $37,050 to $88,672, reflecting different program tracks and career paths. Approximately 30.8% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education.
King University offers 9 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for comprehensive outcome tracking. Adult Health Nurse/Nursing ranks #120 nationally and #2 in Tennessee, graduating 113 students with median earnings of $73,580 and a value score of 56.6, representing the university's strongest program by enrollment and outcomes. Clinical Research Coordinator ranks #11 nationally and #1 in Tennessee, producing 42 graduates with median earnings of $59,773 and an exceptional value score of 85.9.
Business/Commerce ranks #46 nationally and #1 in Tennessee, graduating 36 students with median earnings of $49,940. Business Administration and Management serves as the university's largest program by enrollment, graduating 131 students annually with median earnings of $47,425. Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching ranks #143 nationally and #4 in Tennessee, graduating 24 students with median earnings of $42,839, demonstrating the university's commitment to education and professional development programs across multiple disciplines.
Appalachian State University Higher acceptance rate (34.2 percentage points higher) and located 37 miles away; similar graduate earnings | NC | 89% | $51,836 | Compare |
Nova Southeastern University Higher acceptance rate (18.3 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | FL | 73% | $59,209 | Compare |
Samford University Higher acceptance rate (27.8 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | AL | 82% | $58,469 | Compare |
Lincoln Memorial University Same state (83 miles away) (earnings difference: 16.5%) and similar program focus; same institution type | TN | 59% | $49,956 | Compare |
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Centre College Similar quality tier in Southeast (#465 ranked) | KY | 54% | $66,240 | #465 | Compare |
Albizu University-San Juan Similar quality tier (#464 ranked) | PR | 100% | $41,544 | #464 | Compare |
Colby College Similar quality tier (#477 ranked) | ME | 7% | $80,490 | #477 | Compare |
Trinity College Similar quality tier (#478 ranked) | CT | 34% | $90,779 | #478 | Compare |
Xavier University Of Louisiana Similar quality tier (#457 ranked) | LA | 74% | $52,184 | #457 | Compare |
