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Belmont University vs Union University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Nashville TN · vs · Private nonprofit, Jackson TN

The verdict

Belmont University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $132,588 in 17.5 years versus 19.3 years at Union University, on median earnings of $55,930 vs $53,990 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureBelmont UniversityUnion University
Net price / yr$33,147$27,171
Total net cost$132,588$108,684
Median earnings, 10 yrs$55,930$53,990
Median debt$20,500$20,714
Payback17.5 yrs19.3 yrs
20-year net return$18,812$3,916

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Belmont University or Union University?

Union University, at $27,171 a year after aid versus $33,147 — a gap of $5,976 a year, or $23,904 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Belmont University or Union University graduates earn more?

Belmont University graduates report a median $55,930 ten years after entry, $1,940 more than the $53,990 at Union University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Belmont University or Union University?

Belmont University: its completers carry a median $20,500 in federal loans versus $20,714 at Union University, a difference of $214. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

71% of students finish at Belmont University, against 66% at Union University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Belmont University vs Union University: frequently asked questions

Is Belmont University or Union University a better value?
Belmont University. It clears its $132,588 net cost in about 17.5 years versus 19.3 years at Union University, on median earnings of $55,930 vs $53,990 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Belmont University or Union University?
Union University: $27,171/yr net price after aid versus $33,147/yr at Belmont University — a difference of $5,976 a year, or about $23,904 over four years.
Do Belmont University or Union University graduates earn more?
Belmont University graduates earn a median $55,930 ten years after entry, versus $53,990 at Union University — a $1,940 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.