Christian Brothers University
Christian Brothers University is a private nonprofit university in Memphis, TN ranked #301 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of A-, enrolling about 905 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 86.7%. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Mechanical Engineering.
Academically, students benefit from a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, 74.9% first-year retention, and 54.7% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $9,854, about $7,144 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at 23.3%, roughly 62.0 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $48,592. That's about $4,904 higher than national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Christian Brothers University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Christian Brothers University graduates 54.7% of students within six years and keeps 74.9% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Christian Brothers University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $38,420 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,436 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $11,055 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,192 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $48,038 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 31.0% of Christian Brothers University students receive Pell Grants — slightly below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $9,466 to $5,843 depending on family income. Use Christian Brothers University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $12,839/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $5,843/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $48,592
- 10-Year Median Earnings $48,592
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $17,589
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 53.9%
- Employment Rate 92.7%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Christian Brothers University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Christian Brothers University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Christian Brothers University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Christian Brothers University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Christian Brothers University graduates earn $48,592 median, the 23.3% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 460-700
- SAT Math 560-680
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 19-24
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 905
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 74.9%
- Graduation Rate 54.7%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 9:1
How to Get Into Christian Brothers University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Christian Brothers University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 86.7%, Christian Brothers University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 86.7% acceptance rate, Christian Brothers University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1020 and 1380 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Christian Brothers University undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Natural Sciences, and Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 14.8%
- Natural Sciences 7.3%
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology 6.8%
- Mechanical Engineering 6.2%
- Business/Commerce, General 6.2%
- Engineering-Related Fields 5.5%
See more majors
- Psychology, General 5.5%
- Accounting and Related Services 4.7%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $90,172
- 2. Mechanical Engineering $71,112
- 3. Business/Commerce, General $57,670
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Business Administration, Management and Operations $47,880
- 5. Natural Sciences $44,471
- 6. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology $38,554
- 7. Psychology, General $26,064
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $119,561
- 2. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree) $111,712
- 3. Education, General (Master's Degree) $60,722
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree) $52,167
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $90,172—246% more than Psychology, General ($26,064). Graduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations programs lead with $119,561 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Christian Brothers University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 57 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree, 39 graduates)
- Natural Sciences (Bachelor's Degree, 28 graduates)
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Bachelor's Degree, 26 graduates)
- Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 24 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (56 programs)▼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Natural Sciences
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Business/Commerce, General
- Psychology, General
- Engineering-Related Fields
- Accounting and Related Services
- Biology, General
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Computer Science
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Mathematics
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Marketing
- Civil Engineering
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
- Business/Corporate Communications
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- International Business
- Chemistry
- Public Health
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- History
- Special Education and Teaching
- Security Science and Technology
- Design and Applied Arts
- Computer Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Physics
- Philosophy and Religious Studies, General
- Philosophy
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- English Language and Literature, General
- Sustainability Studies
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Engineering Physics
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Biochemical Engineering
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Engineering, General
- Education, General
- Data Analytics
- Construction Management
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
Online Master's Degrees (11 programs)▼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Education, General
- Accounting and Related Services
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Security Science and Technology
- Special Education and Teaching
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Data Analytics
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 905
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 46.4%
- Female Students 53.6%
- Caucasian 23.5%
- Asian 1.8%
- Hispanic 23.1%
- Black 23.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients 31.0%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Christian Brothers University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Christian Brothers University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Christian Brothers University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Christian Brothers University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Christian Brothers University has a diverse student body, with 23.5% identifying as White.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Christian Brothers University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Christian Brothers University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Christian Brothers University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with 23.3% ROI. Ranked #301 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $9,854 annual net price is competitive with public out-of-state tuition, offset somewhat by $48,592 median earnings. With 54.7% graduating within six years and 74.9% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Christian Brothers University's Positioning
With a A- grade and #301 ranking, Christian Brothers University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $9,854 annually, Christian Brothers University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 74.9% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $6,898 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 23.3% ROI and $48,592 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $-146+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Christian Brothers University ranks #301 of 1942 institutions, with 97 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 54.7% six-year graduation rate sits 7.8 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 74.9% first-year retention is 1.9 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- 23.3% return on investment is 62.0 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $48,592 run about 11% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $9,854 is roughly $10,164 lower than the national median of $20,018.
Helpfulness for Students
- 9:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 74.9% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 92.7% employment rate within three years sits 24.5 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 31.0% trails the national share by 3.3 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates Christian Brothers University—a private nonprofit university in Memphis, TN—at A- overall. It is currently ranked #301 nationally Grades by category break down as Completion B, Support B+, Career Outcomes B+, and Affordability B+.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
74.9% of learners come back after year one while 54.7% complete the degree within six years. EDsmart calculates the ROI at 23.3%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $9,854 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $48,038.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $38,184 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $17,589 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 31.0% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $48,592 at the median. This is roughly 11% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
Roughly 92.7% of graduates are employed three years out.
The ROI comes in near 23.3%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
86.7% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Christian Brothers University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Memphis, TN 38104
- Website www.cbu.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$41.0M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate24.7%