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Head-to-head comparison

The University of the South vs King University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Sewanee TN · vs · Private nonprofit, Bristol TN

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

Option A Sewanee, TN

The University of the South

Net price / year
$27,872
Earnings, 10 years
$64,911
Payback
6.7 yrs

Option B Bristol, TN

King University

Net price / year
$22,347
Earnings, 10 years
$59,831
Payback
7.8 yrs
The verdict

The University of the South has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $111,488 in 6.7 years versus 7.8 years at King University, on median earnings of $64,911 vs $59,831 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureThe University of the SouthKing University
Net price / yr$27,872$22,347
Total net cost$111,488$89,388
Median earnings, 10 yrs$64,911$59,831
Median debt$22,855$22,750
Payback6.7 yrs7.8 yrs
20-year net return$219,532$140,032

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

The short answer

Which is cheaper, The University of the South or King University?

King University, at $22,347 a year after aid versus $27,872 — a gap of $5,525 a year, or $22,100 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

The short answer

Do The University of the South or King University graduates earn more?

The University of the South graduates report a median $64,911 ten years after entry, $5,080 more than the $59,831 at King 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.

The short answer

Which leaves students with less debt, The University of the South or King University?

King University: its completers carry a median $22,750 in federal loans versus $22,855 at The University of the South, a difference of $105. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

The short answer

Which graduates more of its students?

80% of students finish at The University of the South, against 48% at King 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.

The University of the South vs King University: frequently asked questions

Is The University of the South or King University a better value?
The University of the South. It clears its $111,488 net cost in about 6.7 years versus 7.8 years at King University, on median earnings of $64,911 vs $59,831 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, The University of the South or King University?
King University: $22,347/yr net price after aid versus $27,872/yr at The University of the South — a difference of $5,525 a year, or about $22,100 over four years.
Do The University of the South or King University graduates earn more?
The University of the South graduates earn a median $64,911 ten years after entry, versus $59,831 at King University — a $5,080 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.