Analysis
Christian Brothers University's associate degree in business comes with an estimated debt load of $24,509—nearly double the national median of $13,437 for similar programs—while projections based on comparable programs suggest first-year earnings around $36,591. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.67 means graduates might carry debt equal to roughly eight months of their annual salary, a heavier burden than typical for two-year business degrees.
The earnings estimate sits well below what other Tennessee business programs report. Strayer University-Tennessee, the only peer program in the state with published outcomes, shows graduates earning $44,154—nearly $8,000 more annually. That gap matters when you're servicing $25,000 in loans. Tennessee's median debt for business associate programs is $28,499, but that comes with higher typical earnings that make the debt more manageable.
For a private university charging private tuition for a two-year credential, these estimated figures suggest you're paying a premium without clear earnings advantage. If your child is set on Christian Brothers specifically, understanding why this program over more affordable community college options—or why an associate over continuing to a bachelor's—becomes essential. The small graduate cohort that triggered data suppression may signal limited program size, which could mean either intimate attention or uncertain outcomes.
Where Christian Brothers University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Tennessee
Business/Commerce associates's programs at peer institutions in Tennessee (5 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $37,300 | $36,591* | — | $24,509* | — | |
| $13,920 | $44,154* | $47,516 | $32,810* | 0.74 | |
| National Median | — | $36,591* | — | $13,437* | 0.37 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/commerce graduates
Sales Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Construction Managers
Administrative Services Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Chief Executives
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Christian Brothers University, approximately 31% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 124 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.