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The University of the South vs Galen Health Institutes-Nashville Campus: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Sewanee TN · vs · Private for-profit, Nashville TN

The verdict

Galen Health Institutes-Nashville Campus has the better ROI: it clears its 2-year net cost of $54,534 in 4.2 years versus 6.7 years at The University of the South, on median earnings of $61,480 vs $64,911 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureThe University of the SouthGalen Health Institutes-Nashville Campus
Net price / yr$27,872$27,267
Total net cost$111,488$54,534
Median earnings, 10 yrs$64,911$61,480
Median debt$22,855$24,166
Payback6.7 yrs4.2 yrs
20-year net return$219,532$207,866

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

Which is cheaper, The University of the South or Galen Health Institutes-Nashville Campus?

Galen Health Institutes-Nashville Campus, at $27,267 a year after aid versus $27,872 — a gap of $605 a year, or $56,954 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 Galen Health Institutes-Nashville Campus graduates earn more?

The University of the South graduates report a median $64,911 ten years after entry, $3,431 more than the $61,480 at Galen Health Institutes-Nashville Campus. 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 Galen Health Institutes-Nashville Campus?

The University of the South: its completers carry a median $22,855 in federal loans versus $24,166 at Galen Health Institutes-Nashville Campus, a difference of $1,311. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

The University of the South vs Galen Health Institutes-Nashville Campus: frequently asked questions

Is The University of the South or Galen Health Institutes-Nashville Campus a better value?
Galen Health Institutes-Nashville Campus. It clears its $54,534 net cost in about 4.2 years versus 6.7 years at The University of the South, on median earnings of $61,480 vs $64,911 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, The University of the South or Galen Health Institutes-Nashville Campus?
Galen Health Institutes-Nashville Campus: $27,267/yr net price after aid versus $27,872/yr at The University of the South — a difference of $605 a year, or about $56,954 over four years.
Do The University of the South or Galen Health Institutes-Nashville Campus graduates earn more?
The University of the South graduates earn a median $64,911 ten years after entry, versus $61,480 at Galen Health Institutes-Nashville Campus — a $3,431 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.