Bethel University vs Carson-Newman University: which has better ROI?
Carson-Newman University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $81,004 in 3682 years versus not at all at Bethel University, on median earnings of $48,382 vs $47,482 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Bethel University | Carson-Newman University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $12,595 | $20,251 |
| Total net cost | $50,380 | $81,004 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $47,482 | $48,382 |
| Median debt | $27,249 | $21,500 |
| Payback | — | 3682 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$67,940 | -$80,564 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Bethel University or Carson-Newman University?
Bethel University, at $12,595 a year after aid versus $20,251 — a gap of $7,656 a year, or $30,624 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Bethel University or Carson-Newman University graduates earn more?
Carson-Newman University graduates report a median $48,382 ten years after entry, $900 more than the $47,482 at Bethel 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, Bethel University or Carson-Newman University?
Carson-Newman University: its completers carry a median $21,500 in federal loans versus $27,249 at Bethel University, a difference of $5,749. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
53% of students finish at Carson-Newman University, against 35% at Bethel 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.