Degree Dividend
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Bethel University vs Fisk University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, McKenzie TN · vs · Private nonprofit, Nashville TN

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Bethel University comes closer — median earnings $47,482 against a $50,380 total, vs $45,454 at Fisk University. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureBethel UniversityFisk University
Net price / yr$12,595$32,020
Total net cost$50,380$128,080
Median earnings, 10 yrs$47,482$45,454
Median debt$27,249$27,000
Payback
20-year net return-$67,940-$186,200

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

Which is cheaper, Bethel University or Fisk University?

Bethel University, at $12,595 a year after aid versus $32,020 — a gap of $19,425 a year, or $77,700 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 Fisk University graduates earn more?

Bethel University graduates report a median $47,482 ten years after entry, $2,028 more than the $45,454 at Fisk 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 Fisk University?

Fisk University: its completers carry a median $27,000 in federal loans versus $27,249 at Bethel University, a difference of $249. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

35% of students finish at Bethel University, against 30% at Fisk 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.

Bethel University vs Fisk University: frequently asked questions

Is Bethel University or Fisk University a better value?
Bethel University comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, Bethel University or Fisk University?
Bethel University: $12,595/yr net price after aid versus $32,020/yr at Fisk University — a difference of $19,425 a year, or about $77,700 over four years.
Do Bethel University or Fisk University graduates earn more?
Bethel University graduates earn a median $47,482 ten years after entry, versus $45,454 at Fisk University — a $2,028 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.