The University of Tennessee-Knoxville vs Galen Health Institutes-Nashville Campus: which has better ROI?
Galen Health Institutes-Nashville Campus has the better ROI: it clears its 2-year net cost of $54,534 in 4.2 years versus 6.4 years at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, on median earnings of $61,480 vs $60,249 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | The University of Tennessee-Knoxville | Galen Health Institutes-Nashville Campus |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $18,976 | $27,267 |
| Total net cost | $75,904 | $54,534 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $60,249 | $61,480 |
| Median debt | $20,500 | $24,166 |
| Payback | 6.4 yrs | 4.2 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $161,876 | $207,866 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville or Galen Health Institutes-Nashville Campus?
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, at $18,976 a year after aid versus $27,267 — a gap of $8,291 a year, or $21,370 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 Galen Health Institutes-Nashville Campus graduates earn more?
Galen Health Institutes-Nashville Campus graduates report a median $61,480 ten years after entry, $1,231 more than the $60,249 at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville. 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 Galen Health Institutes-Nashville Campus?
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville: its completers carry a median $20,500 in federal loans versus $24,166 at Galen Health Institutes-Nashville Campus, a difference of $3,666. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.