Carson-Newman University vs Brillare Beauty Institute: 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 Brillare Beauty Institute, on median earnings of $48,382 vs $24,728 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Carson-Newman University | Brillare Beauty Institute |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $20,251 | $17,894 |
| Total net cost | $81,004 | $71,576 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $48,382 | $24,728 |
| Median debt | $21,500 | $7,479 |
| Payback | 3682 yrs | — |
| 20-year net return | -$80,564 | -$544,216 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Carson-Newman University or Brillare Beauty Institute?
Brillare Beauty Institute, at $17,894 a year after aid versus $20,251 — a gap of $2,357 a year, or $9,428 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Carson-Newman University or Brillare Beauty Institute graduates earn more?
Carson-Newman University graduates report a median $48,382 ten years after entry, $23,654 more than the $24,728 at Brillare Beauty Institute. 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, Carson-Newman University or Brillare Beauty Institute?
Brillare Beauty Institute: its completers carry a median $7,479 in federal loans versus $21,500 at Carson-Newman University, a difference of $14,021. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
84% of students finish at Brillare Beauty Institute, against 53% at Carson-Newman 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.