Degree Dividend
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University of Louisville vs Transylvania University: which has better ROI?

Public, Louisville KY · vs · Private nonprofit, Lexington KY

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

The verdict

University of Louisville has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $71,952 in 13 years versus 13.8 years at Transylvania University, on median earnings of $53,899 vs $54,705 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of LouisvilleTransylvania University
Net price / yr$17,988$21,913
Total net cost$71,952$87,652
Median earnings, 10 yrs$53,899$54,705
Median debt$20,500$27,000
Payback13 yrs13.8 yrs
20-year net return$38,828$39,248

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

Which is cheaper, University of Louisville or Transylvania University?

University of Louisville, at $17,988 a year after aid versus $21,913 — a gap of $3,925 a year, or $15,700 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do University of Louisville or Transylvania University graduates earn more?

Transylvania University graduates report a median $54,705 ten years after entry, $806 more than the $53,899 at University of Louisville. 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, University of Louisville or Transylvania University?

University of Louisville: its completers carry a median $20,500 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Transylvania 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?

71% of students finish at Transylvania University, against 61% at University of Louisville. 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.

University of Louisville vs Transylvania University: frequently asked questions

Is University of Louisville or Transylvania University a better value?
University of Louisville. It clears its $71,952 net cost in about 13 years versus 13.8 years at Transylvania University, on median earnings of $53,899 vs $54,705 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Louisville or Transylvania University?
University of Louisville: $17,988/yr net price after aid versus $21,913/yr at Transylvania University — a difference of $3,925 a year, or about $15,700 over four years.
Do University of Louisville or Transylvania University graduates earn more?
Transylvania University graduates earn a median $54,705 ten years after entry, versus $53,899 at University of Louisville — a $806 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.