Trevecca Nazarene University
Nashville, Tennessee · Private Nonprofit · 69.4% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 51/100 · Below Average Value
Trevecca Nazarene University scores 51 (Below Average Value) -- a score driven by a 14.4-year payback period and $40,700 median 6-year earnings at a private Nashville school with $31,300 sticker tuition. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.461 is deceptively decent because median debt is low ($18,744) relative to most private colleges -- the payback problem is an earnings problem, not a debt problem. Completion rate is 53.2%, and the 74.3% three-year repayment rate is adequate. Trevecca is a small Nazarene university (1,737 students) with 69.4% admission and SAT mid-ranges of 470-625 Math and 510-610 Reading. Nashville's labor market is one of the strongest in the South, and Trevecca's location is a genuine asset. Business Administration (84 graduates, C+ grade) and Nursing (18 graduates, data incomplete) are the most viable programs. The 32.3% Pell grant rate reflects moderate lower-income enrollment. The religious affiliation shapes campus culture and program emphasis -- theology graduates face structurally low earnings by career choice.
Trevecca Nazarene University
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $31,300/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $31,300/yr |
| Average net price | $16,813/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $67,252 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $49,378 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $40,700 |
| Median debt at graduation | $18,744 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $199 |
| Estimated payback period | 14.4 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 53.1% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 1,737 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Trevecca Nazarene University is $31,300/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $16,813/year, or roughly $67,252 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $14,532/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $20,725/year.
The median graduate leaves with $18,744 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $199 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $49,378 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.46 - well within manageable territory.
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 | $14,532 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,643 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,420 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,779 |
| $110,001+ | $20,725 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Families earning under $30,000 pay $14,532 per year; the $30,001-48,000 bracket pays $13,643 -- nearly flat and moderately affordable for a private. Over four years, roughly $54,000-$58,000. Against $40,700 median earnings and a 14.4-year payback, the financial case is thin unless the student targets nursing or CS. Low-income students at Trevecca face meaningful exposure if they enroll in lower-returning programs without a clear career plan.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The $48,001-75,000 bracket pays $15,420; the $75,001-110,000 bracket pays $17,779. Aid is reasonably flat across the middle income bands. At $15,000-18,000 per year, Trevecca is competitive in net price against other small Tennessee privates. The 14.4-year payback remains the concern for non-health, non-technical programs.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Families over $110,000 pay $20,725. At that price, Trevecca's faith-based mission and small campus community are the primary differentiators from better-valued alternatives. Families seeking the religious community context may find the price acceptable; those primarily optimizing for career outcomes have stronger alternatives in Nashville's public higher education system.
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Trevecca Nazarene University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $62,197 | C+ |
| Psychology | $49,989 | C |
| Registered Nursing | $69,533 | - |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $62,259 | C |
| Teacher Education | $42,332 | - |
| Social Work | $51,512 | D |
| Communication and Media Studies | $36,070 | D |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $59,514 | B |
| Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management | $49,184 | - |
| Theology and Religious Vocations, Other | $46,332 | D |
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.
Business Administration, Management, and Operations
Business Administration (84 graduates -- Trevecca's largest program) earns $47,547 year-one and $62,197 at year four, debt-to-earnings ratio 0.522 (ROI grade C+). Median debt of $24,798. The C+ grade reflects reasonable outcomes in Nashville's business market; $47k starting is competitive for a small private. Students who actively leverage Nashville's corporate base during enrollment -- internships, networking, employer relationships -- can significantly improve on the median.
Registered Nursing
Registered Nursing (18 graduates) earns $69,533 year-one (four-year earnings and debt not reported by Scorecard). With debt data unavailable, a full ROI grade is not calculated. The year-one figure is consistent with RN starting wages in Nashville. Nursing is likely the highest-returning program at Trevecca for students who complete; Nashville's healthcare market is robust. Prospective nursing students should request program-specific debt and graduation rate data directly from the institution.
Computer and Information Sciences
Computer and Information Sciences (9 graduates) earns $59,514 year-one (four-year not reported), debt-to-earnings ratio 0.419 (ROI grade B). Median debt of $24,920. Very small cohort -- 9 graduates -- limits the statistical reliability of this data. Nashville's healthcare IT, fintech, and corporate tech sectors create genuine CS demand. Directionally strong, but the sample is too small to draw firm conclusions.
Psychology
Psychology (46 graduates) earns $37,019 year-one and $49,989 at year four, debt-to-earnings ratio 0.577 (ROI grade C). Median debt of $21,375. The C grade reflects the career trajectory: psychology at the bachelor's level is limited without graduate credentials. $37k year-one against $21k debt is serviceable if no graduate school is planned, but most clinical and counseling career paths require further education at additional cost.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 68.1% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 74.3% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 71.5% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 70.8% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 69.4% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 470-625 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 510-610 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 18-24 |
| Enrollment | 1,737 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 32.3% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $7,392 |
Trevecca's 69.4% admission rate is moderately selective for a faith-based private. SAT ranges of 470-625 Math and 510-610 Reading, ACT 18-24 describe a broad academic preparation range. The wide SAT spread (155-point Math range) reflects the institution's access orientation. The 14.4-year payback period at median earnings is the central financial concern for prospective students evaluating the $31,300 sticker against market alternatives.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
Trevecca's peer set includes American Baptist College, Baptist Health Sciences University, McKendree University, Dordt University, and St. Francis College -- a mix of faith-affiliated small colleges. Among these, Baptist Health Sciences University is the most directly comparable in mission focus. Trevecca's 51 score reflects the structural challenge of small private pricing in a competitive Nashville market where Vanderbilt, Belmont, and MTSU all compete for similar students. The Nashville location is Trevecca's primary competitive advantage over peers in smaller markets.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trevecca Nazarene University (this school) | 51 | $16,813 | $49,378 |
| Union University | 52 | $27,171 | $53,990 |
| San Diego Christian College | 51 | $992 | $49,766 |
| Messiah University | 51 | $26,502 | $54,064 |
| Biola University | 50 | $31,495 | $56,778 |
| Olivet Nazarene University | 50 | $20,729 | $53,213 |
Who Thrives Here
Trevecca admits 69.4% of applicants with SAT mid-ranges of 470-625 Math and 510-610 Reading, ACT 18-24. At 1,737 students, it is a small campus with a faith-based culture and community orientation. The Nashville location is a meaningful advantage for business, media, and healthcare students who engage the local market during enrollment. Students drawn to Trevecca's Wesleyan-Holiness mission and community context may value the campus experience independently of ROI metrics. Students primarily seeking career outcomes should evaluate whether Trevecca's program in their specific field can compete for Nashville employers.
The Verdict: Proceed With Caution
The financial case for Trevecca Nazarene University is mixed. At $16,813 per year net cost, graduates earn a median of $49,378 ten years after entry - a payback period of 14.4 years. That's below the average return for four-year institutions, and prospective students should carefully consider whether the investment aligns with their financial goals.
Key strengths include manageable debt relative to earnings. However, the data also shows a long payback period.
Median debt of $18,744 against $49,378 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
NewsletterCollege decisions are better with data.
New analyses, updated school profiles, and tools - when there’s something worth acting on.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
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.