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Thomas University vs Covenant College: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Thomasville GA · vs · Private nonprofit, Lookout Mountain GA

The verdict

Covenant College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $105,060 in 51.2 years versus 54.6 years at Thomas University, on median earnings of $50,412 vs $49,716 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureThomas UniversityCovenant College
Net price / yr$18,499$26,265
Total net cost$73,996$105,060
Median earnings, 10 yrs$49,716$50,412
Median debt$21,198$22,500
Payback54.6 yrs51.2 yrs
20-year net return-$46,876-$64,020

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

Which is cheaper, Thomas University or Covenant College?

Thomas University, at $18,499 a year after aid versus $26,265 — a gap of $7,766 a year, or $31,064 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Thomas University or Covenant College graduates earn more?

Covenant College graduates report a median $50,412 ten years after entry, $696 more than the $49,716 at Thomas 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, Thomas University or Covenant College?

Thomas University: its completers carry a median $21,198 in federal loans versus $22,500 at Covenant College, a difference of $1,302. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

71% of students finish at Covenant College, against 28% at Thomas 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.

Thomas University vs Covenant College: frequently asked questions

Is Thomas University or Covenant College a better value?
Covenant College. It clears its $105,060 net cost in about 51.2 years versus 54.6 years at Thomas University, on median earnings of $50,412 vs $49,716 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Thomas University or Covenant College?
Thomas University: $18,499/yr net price after aid versus $26,265/yr at Covenant College — a difference of $7,766 a year, or about $31,064 over four years.
Do Thomas University or Covenant College graduates earn more?
Covenant College graduates earn a median $50,412 ten years after entry, versus $49,716 at Thomas University — a $696 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.