Business/Commerce at Christian Brothers University

Christian Brothers University business graduates earn $57,670 in their first year—about $17,500 more than the typical Tennessee business grad and $10,000 above the national median. That 95th percentile national ranking is impressive for a regional private university with an 88% admission rate, and the 80th percentile standing among Tennessee programs confirms this isn't just inflated by low regional comparisons. The program even outperforms Strayer University's Tennessee campus, which ranks second in the state.

The tradeoff comes in debt load. At $49,125, graduates carry nearly double the national median for business programs and significantly more than Tennessee's $28,987 average. Still, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.85, most graduates should manage repayment—that first-year salary means monthly payments would take roughly 9-10% of gross income under standard plans. The real question is sustainability: if earnings grow modestly, this becomes a solid investment; if they stagnate, the premium price tag becomes harder to justify.

For families prioritizing strong employment outcomes in Tennessee's business sector, this program delivers measurably better results than most in-state alternatives. The debt premium buys access to a network or placement advantage that clearly translates to higher starting salaries. Just ensure your student is committed to the business track—switching majors would leave them with private-school debt without this program's earnings payoff.