Students at King University achieve earnings that far exceed what similar students earn at comparable institutions, with graduates seeing nearly $24,000 in additional annual income beyond expectations.
This exceptional earnings advantage, combined with strong access for first-generation students, makes King a standout choice for upward economic mobility.
King University ranks as a distinctive small private institution in Tennessee that delivers exceptional value through personalized education and strong career outcomes. With earnings that significantly exceed expectations compared with similar institutions nationwide, King demonstrates how a small college can provide outsized financial returns for its graduates. The university serves a diverse student body where 42% receive Pell Grants and 51% are first-generation college students, yet maintains graduation rates and earnings outcomes that rival much larger institutions.
What sets King apart is its ability to combine intimate campus culture with practical career preparation. The university's nursing program stands out as a particular strength, graduating 113 students annually with median earnings of $58,000 ten years after enrollment. Business administration also maintains strong enrollment with 131 graduates, while emerging programs like artificial intelligence reflect the institution's commitment to evolving workforce needs.
As a small private university in Bristol, Tennessee, King offers the personal attention and faculty mentorship that many students need to succeed, while delivering financial outcomes that place it well above average among similar institutions. For families seeking a supportive environment that translates into real economic opportunity, King represents an compelling option that balances accessibility with strong long-term returns.
King University's program portfolio reflects a strategic focus on career-oriented fields that lead directly to stable employment and solid earnings. Adult Health Nursing stands out as the university's flagship program, graduating 113 students annually with median earnings of $58,000 and representing the highest aggregate return across all majors. This program exemplifies King's strength in healthcare education, preparing graduates for high-demand roles in Tennessee's growing healthcare sector.
Business Administration maintains the largest enrollment with 131 graduates, offering broad career preparation with median earnings around $42,682. While not the highest-paying field, business provides solid middle-class outcomes and serves as a foundation for diverse career paths. The program's size reflects student demand for practical, versatile business skills that translate across industries.
Emerging programs like Artificial Intelligence, though smaller with 34 graduates, demonstrate King's commitment to evolving workforce needs and technological advancement. Even with modest early-career earnings of $34,000, these programs position graduates in growing fields with strong long-term potential. The university's focused program mix creates clear pathways from education to employment, with each major designed to meet specific regional and national workforce demands.
King University graduates achieve strong long-term financial outcomes that significantly exceed expectations for a small private institution. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $59,831, with the university delivering an impressive earnings advantage of nearly $24,000 beyond what similar students achieve at comparable institutions. This substantial earnings premium places King among the stronger performers nationally for return on investment, demonstrating how focused career preparation can translate into meaningful financial benefits.
The university's program mix drives much of this success. Adult Health Nursing represents King's flagship program, graduating 113 students annually with median earnings of $58,000 and generating the highest aggregate return across all majors. Business Administration maintains the largest enrollment with 131 graduates earning around $42,682, providing solid middle-class outcomes for the university's most popular field. Even emerging programs like Artificial Intelligence, though smaller with 34 graduates, demonstrate King's commitment to preparing students for evolving career opportunities.
What makes King particularly valuable is how consistently it delivers strong outcomes across its focused program portfolio. The university's emphasis on healthcare, business, and professional programs creates clear pathways to stable, well-paying careers. For students seeking a supportive environment that translates into real earning power, King's combination of personalized education and career-focused programming provides exceptional long-term value.
King University maintains relatively accessible pricing for a private institution, though affordability varies significantly by family income level. Low-income students pay approximately $22,300 annually after aid, while middle-income families see similar costs around $21,500 per year. High-income families face higher net prices of about $26,331, reflecting the typical private college pricing structure where aid concentrates on students with the greatest financial need.
Debt levels at King remain manageable for most graduates. Typical federal student loan debt totals $22,750, a reasonable amount given the university's strong earnings outcomes. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $13,000, which is relatively modest compared to many private institutions where family debt can climb much higher. The university's 0% federal loan default rate indicates that graduates generally manage their debt obligations successfully.
What makes King's pricing sustainable is the strong return on investment graduates achieve. With median earnings approaching $60,000 ten years out and substantial earnings beyond expectations, most borrowers can handle standard repayment without significant financial strain. The combination of focused career preparation, strong alumni outcomes, and reasonable debt levels creates a financial pathway that works for many families seeking private college benefits without overwhelming costs.
King University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
