Tennessee State University vs Bethel University: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Bethel University comes closer — median earnings $47,482 against a $50,380 total, vs $42,730 at Tennessee State University. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Tennessee State University | Bethel University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $15,796 | $12,595 |
| Total net cost | $63,184 | $50,380 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $42,730 | $47,482 |
| Median debt | $27,000 | $27,249 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$175,784 | -$67,940 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Tennessee State University or Bethel University?
Bethel University, at $12,595 a year after aid versus $15,796 — a gap of $3,201 a year, or $12,804 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Tennessee State University or Bethel University graduates earn more?
Bethel University graduates report a median $47,482 ten years after entry, $4,752 more than the $42,730 at Tennessee State 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, Tennessee State University or Bethel University?
Tennessee State 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 34% at Tennessee State 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.