Brenau University
Gainesville, Georgia · Private Nonprofit · 87.8% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 41/100 · Poor Value
Brenau University earns a 41 ROI score in Poor Value tier. Sticker tuition is $34,027, but Brenau discounts aggressively — net price after aid is $18,924, with four-year total cost at $75,696. Median earnings ten years out are $54,003 against $27,000 median debt — a 0.654 debt-to-earnings ratio and 11.4-year payback. The earnings premium of 0.251 is decent. The serious weaknesses are completion (32.9%, scoring 12/100) — among the lowest in the dataset — and repayment (61.3%, scoring 19/100). Combined with a 46% Pell rate, these numbers tell a story of an institution serving lower-income students who often don't finish, leaving them with debt and no credential. Nursing is the standout strong program; everything else faces tough math. Notably, several programs show median debt above $40,000 — well above the campus median — indicating that some students borrow heavily for programs that don't pay back commensurate earnings.
The data raises concerns about Brenau University
These metrics fall below the thresholds most financial advisors recommend for a sound college investment. Review them carefully before committing.
- ROI Score41/100 - Poor Value tier (below 45). Most 4-year schools we track score 60 or higher.
- 6-year graduation rate32.9% - Well below the 60% national average. Non-completion is the fastest route to negative ROI.
Brenau University
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $34,027/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $34,027/yr |
| Average net price | $18,924/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $75,696 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,003 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $41,300 |
| Median debt at graduation | $27,000 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $286 |
| Estimated payback period | 11.4 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 32.9% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 1,029 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Brenau University is $34,027/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $18,924/year, or roughly $75,696 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $19,481/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $20,426/year.
The median graduate leaves with $27,000 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $286 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $54,003 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.65 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,481 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,379 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,420 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,279 |
| $110,001+ | $20,426 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Families under $30,000 pay $19,481 — actually more than the $17,379 paid by the $30,001-$48,000 bracket. This is a clear bracket inversion at the low end, likely reflecting limited need-based aid that phases in oddly at the very bottom. Four-year totals around $78,000 against $54,003 earnings is workable only in nursing; in other majors, the math is rough.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The $30,001-$48,000 bracket pays $17,379, with the $48,001-$75,000 bracket at $18,420 and $75,001-$110,000 at $18,279 — nearly flat across three middle-income tiers. This is unusual aid structure: Brenau's discounting is essentially constant across middle incomes rather than scaling. Families should run the net-price calculator carefully.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Families above $110,000 pay $20,426 — well below the $34,027 sticker. The merit/discount even at the top of the income distribution is meaningful. At full pay, Brenau is still notably cheaper than many North Georgia private alternatives, but the conventional ROI math is severely negative outside nursing.
Earnings by Major
Top 7 most popular majors at Brenau University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | $88,731 | C+ |
| Teacher Education | $46,138 | D |
| Psychology | $42,586 | D |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $36,910 | C+ |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $38,591 | D |
| Business Administration and Management | $55,114 | F |
| Human Resources Management | $53,693 | - |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Registered Nursing
Nursing is by far the largest program at 70 graduates with first-year earnings of $80,786 climbing to $88,731 — Brenau's strongest absolute earnings. But median debt is a striking $42,187, well above the campus median, producing a 0.522 debt-to-earnings ratio and a C+ grade. The nursing market saves this program from a worse grade, but the high debt load suggests many students are borrowing close to the full cost of the program.
Teacher Education
Teacher Ed graduated 33 with first-year earnings of $40,980 against a hefty $38,250 in debt — a D grade and 0.933 ratio. The four-year earnings of $46,138 indicate shallow growth, which is the structural reality of Georgia teacher pay. The high debt load against Georgia teacher salaries makes PSLF essential. This is a mission-driven major with a tough financial profile.
Psychology
Psychology produced 22 graduates with first-year earnings of $36,497 against $30,761 in debt — a D grade and 0.843 ratio. The four-year earnings of $42,586 indicate modest growth. As a standalone bachelor's, this is among the riskiest majors at Brenau; graduate-school continuation is essentially required for a positive outcome.
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
Drama graduated 16 with four-year earnings of $36,910 against $19,500 in debt — notably below the campus median — for a C+ grade and 0.528 ratio. The lower debt is the saving feature; if students keep borrowing tight, the theater pathway can work at Brenau's price point. Outcomes are modest by design in the performing arts.
Health and Medical Administrative Services
Health Admin produced 15 graduates with four-year earnings of $38,591 against $29,648 in debt — a D grade and 0.768 ratio. The earnings are notably low for what's typically a stable career path, suggesting graduates may be in entry-level positions or part-time roles. Students should target larger health systems for stronger outcomes.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 53.7% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 61.3% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 57.9% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 65.2% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 87.8% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 430-580 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 500-620 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 18-22 |
| Enrollment | 1,029 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 45.9% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $7,783 |
Brenau admits 87.8% of applicants with SAT mid-ranges of 430-580 in math and 500-620 in reading, and ACT 18-22. The wide SAT math range (150 points) reflects a heterogeneous academic profile, with the 25th percentile at 430 well below national norms. The combination of broad admissions and this score range correlates directly with the 32.9% completion rate, which is the most concerning metric in the profile. Test-optional applicants expand the academic spread further.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
Brenau's peer set includes Agnes Scott College (a much stronger women's college in Atlanta), Clark Atlanta University (HBCU), Schreiner University (TX), Geneva College (PA), and La Sierra University (CA). Agnes Scott is the obvious outlier in this group — stronger ROI and selectivity. Geneva and Schreiner are closer natural peers. La Sierra has unique Adventist mission characteristics. Within the realistic peer cohort, Brenau's 41 ROI is mid-low; the 32.9% completion is well below all peers.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brenau University (this school) | 41 | $18,924 | $54,003 |
| Bay Path University | 52 | $14,271 | $55,383 |
| Agnes Scott College | 45 | $24,754 | $56,274 |
| Sweet Briar College | 44 | $17,758 | $51,943 |
| Meredith College | 43 | $22,488 | $51,539 |
| Chatham University | 39 | $29,954 | $52,410 |
Who Thrives Here
With 1,029 students and a 45.9% Pell rate, Brenau serves a predominantly female (it's coed but historically a women's college), lower-income North Georgia student body. Strong fit: students locked into nursing who have the academic and personal preparation to finish. Decent fit: occupational therapy and physical therapy graduate-pipeline students who use the Bachelor's as a stepping stone. Worst fit: students who borrow at or above the campus median for non-nursing programs, where the completion risk and the debt-to-earnings math compound.
The Verdict: The Numbers Don't Add Up
The financial data raises serious concerns about Brenau University. With a net cost of $18,924 per year and median graduate earnings of only $54,003 ten years out, the estimated payback period exceeds 11.4 years. For most students, the financial return does not justify the cost.
Areas of concern include a 32.9% graduation rate and high debt relative to what graduates earn and concerning loan repayment rates.
Median debt of $27,000 against $54,003 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.