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The University of the South vs Baptist Health Sciences University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Sewanee TN · vs · Private nonprofit, Memphis TN

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

Baptist Health Sciences University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $44,848 in 1.9 years versus 6.7 years at The University of the South, on median earnings of $72,529 vs $64,911 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureThe University of the SouthBaptist Health Sciences University
Net price / yr$27,872$11,212
Total net cost$111,488$44,848
Median earnings, 10 yrs$64,911$72,529
Median debt$22,855$29,500
Payback6.7 yrs1.9 yrs
20-year net return$219,532$438,532

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

Which is cheaper, The University of the South or Baptist Health Sciences University?

Baptist Health Sciences University, at $11,212 a year after aid versus $27,872 — a gap of $16,660 a year, or $66,640 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 the South or Baptist Health Sciences University graduates earn more?

Baptist Health Sciences University graduates report a median $72,529 ten years after entry, $7,618 more than the $64,911 at The University of the South. 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 the South or Baptist Health Sciences University?

The University of the South: its completers carry a median $22,855 in federal loans versus $29,500 at Baptist Health Sciences University, a difference of $6,645. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

80% of students finish at The University of the South, against 40% at Baptist Health Sciences 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.

The University of the South vs Baptist Health Sciences University: frequently asked questions

Is The University of the South or Baptist Health Sciences University a better value?
Baptist Health Sciences University. It clears its $44,848 net cost in about 1.9 years versus 6.7 years at The University of the South, on median earnings of $72,529 vs $64,911 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, The University of the South or Baptist Health Sciences University?
Baptist Health Sciences University: $11,212/yr net price after aid versus $27,872/yr at The University of the South — a difference of $16,660 a year, or about $66,640 over four years.
Do The University of the South or Baptist Health Sciences University graduates earn more?
Baptist Health Sciences University graduates earn a median $72,529 ten years after entry, versus $64,911 at The University of the South — a $7,618 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.