The University of Tennessee-Knoxville vs Christian Brothers University: which has better ROI?
Christian Brothers University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $39,416 in 4.3 years versus 6.4 years at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, on median earnings of $57,478 vs $60,249 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | The University of Tennessee-Knoxville | Christian Brothers University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $18,976 | $9,854 |
| Total net cost | $75,904 | $39,416 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $60,249 | $57,478 |
| Median debt | $20,500 | $27,000 |
| Payback | 6.4 yrs | 4.3 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $161,876 | $142,944 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville or Christian Brothers University?
Christian Brothers University, at $9,854 a year after aid versus $18,976 — a gap of $9,122 a year, or $36,488 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do The University of Tennessee-Knoxville or Christian Brothers University graduates earn more?
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville graduates report a median $60,249 ten years after entry, $2,771 more than the $57,478 at Christian Brothers 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, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville or Christian Brothers University?
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville: its completers carry a median $20,500 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Christian Brothers University, a difference of $6,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
74% of students finish at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, against 55% at Christian Brothers 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.