CBU vs. Union University

Comparable Facts

Compare Christian Brothers University in Memphis, TN with Union University in Jackson, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Union University is larger than CBU based on total student enrollment (2,713 students vs. 1,772 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Christian Brothers University is located in Memphis, TN (Large City setting); Union University is in Jackson, TN (Small City setting).
• Christian Brothers University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Union University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Christian Brothers University 9:1; Union University 9:1.

CBU vs. Union University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CBU or Union University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Christian Brothers University than Union University ($16,754 vs. $28,452).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Christian Brothers University are 13.5% lower than at Union University ($11,055 vs. $12,780).
• Union University is 4.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than CBU (about $1,605 more per year; $40,025.00 vs. $38,420.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.2% higher at Union University than at Christian Brothers University (about $1,605 more per year; $40,025.00 vs. $38,420.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Christian Brothers University as at Union University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Christian Brothers University students is 3.7% larger than aid received by Union University students ($31,234 vs. $30,120).

CBU vs. Union University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CBU or Union University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Union University and CBU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Union University (1280) is 80 points higher than at CBU (1200).
• Incoming Union University students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 21 at CBU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Christian Brothers University 1020/1380; Union University 1160/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Christian Brothers University 19/24; Union University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CBU - Test optional; Union University - Required.
• Accepted freshman Union University students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at CBU (3.67).
• CBU has a higher acceptance rate (86.7%) than Union University (60.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.4% at CBU vs. 30.1% at Union University.

CBU vs. Union University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CBU and Union University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Union University's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than Christian Brothers University's (52%).
• Graduates from Christian Brothers University earn a median of about $2,400 more per year than Union University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,600 vs. $48,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Union University graduates have a $2,160 lower median loan debt than CBU graduates ($24,840 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Union University graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CBU graduates ($256 vs. $279).
• More Union University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CBU students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 53%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.