The King's University
Southlake, TX 76092 — Private Nonprofit
Value Score: 55/100 | ROI Score: -17 | Affordability Score: 75/100
Tuition (In-State): $12,480 | Out-of-State: $12,480
Acceptance Rate: 60.6% | Graduation Rate: 44.1% | Retention Rate: 50.0%
Median Earnings (10yr): $41,471 | Median Debt: $27,000
Student Body Size: 251 (small)
Pell Grant Recipients: 38.6% | Federal Loan Rate: 47.8%
Average Faculty Salary: $8,073/month
Tuition & Affordability Analysis
In-state tuition at The King's University is $12,480 per year, which is 68% below the national average for private institutions.
Out-of-state students pay $12,480/year — a premium of $0 over in-state rates. Over four years, out-of-state students pay approximately $0 more than their in-state peers.
Estimated four-year tuition cost: $49,920 (tuition only, not including room, board, and fees).
What You Actually Pay: Net Price by Family Income
The sticker price rarely reflects what families actually pay. After grants and scholarships, here is the average net price by family income bracket at The King's University:
- Families earning $0–$30,000: $16,825/year
- Families earning $30,001–$48,000: $12,674/year
- Families earning $75,001–$110,000: $14,343/year
- Families earning $110,000+: $13,430/year
Admissions Snapshot
The King's University has an acceptance rate of 60.6%, placing it in the Moderately Selective (50–70%) category. This means roughly 103 students apply each year.
Graduate Outcomes & Return on Investment
44.1% of students at The King's University complete their degree, 29% below the national average. This is below average — prospective students should investigate support services and retention programs.
First-year retention rate: 50.0% (38% below the national average). A retention rate below 75% suggests some students struggle with fit, academics, or affordability.
Graduates of The King's University earn a median salary of $41,471 ten years after enrollment, near the national average. This represents a $6,471/year earnings premium over the average high school diploma holder, or $194,130 in additional lifetime earnings over a 30-year career.
The median student debt at graduation is $27,000, 26% above the national average. On a standard 10-year repayment plan at 5.5% interest, this translates to approximately $293/month, with a total repayment of $35,160 (including $8,160 in interest).
Debt-to-Earnings Ratio: 0.65x. This is a healthy ratio, suggesting debt is manageable for most graduates.
Breakeven Point: Based on the earnings premium over high school graduates, a degree from The King's University pays for itself in approximately 8 years. This is a reasonable investment timeline.
Financial Aid Profile
38.6% of students at The King's University receive Pell Grants (federal need-based aid for families earning under ~$60,000), 17% above the national average. This is near the national average, reflecting a typical economic diversity among the student body.
47.8% of students take federal loans, near the national average. This is a moderate borrowing rate.
Average faculty salary: $8,073/month, 7% below the national average. Higher faculty salaries generally indicate greater investment in teaching quality and ability to attract experienced professors.
Student Body & Campus Diversity
The King's University enrolls 251 undergraduate students. As a small institution, students can expect smaller class sizes, closer faculty relationships, and a tight-knit campus community.
Diversity Index: 71/100 (higher = more diverse). The King's University has a highly diverse student body with strong representation across multiple racial and ethnic groups.
Student body composition: White 49%, Hispanic 20%, Black 7%, Asian 3%.
The King's University: Low Graduation Rates and High Debt
- The King's University: A Questionable Investment with Modest Returns
- Beyond the Classroom: Analyzing Career Paths for The King's University Graduates
- Is The King's University the Right Fit? Exploring Value and Student Experience
Report Card: Overall Grade C-
The King's University receives an overall grade of C- based on six dimensions:
- Academics: D
- Value: F
- Outcomes: C
- Affordability: A+
College Analysis
The King's University is a Private Nonprofit institution in Southlake, TX with approximately 251 students. Academics: The King's University has a relatively low graduation rate of 44.12%, indicating potential challenges in academic success. Value: The median debt of $27,000 is high, and the ROI score is negative, suggesting that the degree may not be worth the cost. Outcomes: Graduates earn a median salary of $41,471 after 10 years, which is below the national average for similar institutions.
The Verdict: Is The King's University Worth It?
The King's University presents a complex value proposition. With an in-state and out-of-state tuition of $12,480, it appears affordable on an annual basis. However, the median debt of $27,000 and a significantly low graduation rate of 44.1% raise concerns. The most striking figure is the median earnings of $41,471 ten years post-graduation, which, when compared to the cost of attendance and debt incurred, results in a negative ROI score of -17. Let's break down the numbers: If a student borrows the full $27,000 in federal loans, with an average interest rate of 5.5%, they would pay approximately $30,000 over ten years. This debt, combined with the tuition costs (assuming two years for a 44.1% graduation rate, roughly $25,000), means a total investment of around $55,000. Earning $41,471 annually means it would take over a year of gross salary just to cover the debt and tuition, without accounting for living expenses or interest on tuition loans. Given these figures, The King's University appears to be an overpriced option. The low graduation rate suggests many students do not complete their degrees, potentially incurring debt without the full benefit of a degree. The median earnings are modest, especially considering the debt load and the cost of education. It is not a hidden gem; it is a school where students should carefully weigh the financial implications against potential career outcomes, as the return on investment appears unfavorable.
Return on Investment
The degree from The King's University may not be worth the cost, given the high median debt and negative ROI score.
Debt Reality Check
Median student debt at The King's University: $27,000. Monthly payment on a standard 10-year plan: $307/month. Total repaid: $36,840 ($9,840 in interest).
Breakeven vs high school diploma: 2.4 years. Debt burden: Manageable. Salary needed for comfortable repayment: $36,840.
Strengths
- Faith-based education
- Small campus community
- Consistent tuition rates
Weaknesses
- Low graduation rate
- High median debt
- Below-average median earnings
Academic Profile
Retention Rate: 50.0%.
The King's University's academic profile is shaped by its commitment to a liberal arts education grounded in a Christian worldview. With a small student population, TKU prioritizes personalized attention and mentorship. While specific departmental strengths aren't widely publicized, programs often align with the university's mission, likely including strong offerings in fields like Biblical Studies, Theology, Ministry, and potentially business, education, or counseling, designed to prepare students for service and leadership. Research opportunities, while perhaps not on the scale of large research universities, are likely integrated into coursework and faculty-led projects, offering undergraduates a chance to engage deeply with academic inquiry under faculty guidance. The faculty quality is a key asset in such a small setting; while faculty salary data isn't available, the low student-faculty ratio (inferred from the small student body) suggests professors are accessible and dedicated to student success. TKU likely offers an honors program for high-achieving students, providing enriched academic experiences and potentially smaller class sizes. Study abroad opportunities may be available, often with a focus on international mission or cultural immersion. Academic support resources are crucial in a small university setting, and TKU likely provides robust advising, tutoring, and writing center services to ensure students can meet their academic goals.
Financial Aid Guide for The King's University
Pell Grant recipients: 38.6%. Students taking federal loans: 47.8%.
Navigating financial aid at The King's University (TKU) requires understanding its commitment to affordability within its private, nonprofit framework. While specific data on merit aid versus need-based aid distribution isn't readily available, it's reasonable to assume that TKU offers both to attract a diverse student body. Given the tuition of $12,480, families should anticipate that aid packages will aim to bridge the gap between this cost and their demonstrated financial need or academic merit. For students with high academic achievement, scholarships based on GPA, test scores (if considered), or specific talents are likely available. Need-based aid, determined by the FAFSA, will be crucial for many students, potentially including grants and institutional aid. Work-study opportunities might be offered, providing students with part-time employment on or near campus to help cover living expenses. Typical aid packages can vary significantly, but for families with an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) below $5,000, a substantial portion of tuition might be covered by grants and scholarships. For those with higher EFCs, aid might be more heavily weighted towards loans. Scholarship tips include applying early, researching external scholarships, and highlighting any leadership or service experiences that align with TKU's values. Negotiating aid at a smaller institution like TKU can be challenging; while not impossible, it's generally more effective if you have competing offers from similar institutions or significant changes in your financial circumstances. Focus on presenting a clear case for need or merit directly to the financial aid office.
Hidden Costs at The King's University
- Housing costs for students living off-campus in the affluent Southlake/Grapevine area can range from $800 to $1,500 per month for a shared apartment.
- Meal expenses, as there is no campus dining hall, could average $400-$600 per month for groceries and eating out.
- Textbooks and course materials can add an estimated $1,000-$1,200 per academic year.
- Student activity fees, while not explicitly detailed, could range from $100-$300 per semester.
- Transportation costs, including gas and vehicle maintenance for commuting from off-campus housing, might be around $100-$200 per month.
- Personal expenses such as toiletries, entertainment, and miscellaneous items could add $200-$400 per month.
- Health insurance, if not covered by a parent's plan, could cost upwards of $2,000-$3,000 annually.
Alumni Outcomes & Career Paths
Graduates from The King's University (TKU) enter a diverse job market, though specific employer data and detailed career pipelines are not extensively publicized. Given its location in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, alumni are well-positioned to find opportunities in sectors that thrive in the region. Major industries in the DFW area include finance, technology, healthcare, and logistics. While TKU doesn't list specific 'major employers that recruit here,' graduates often find roles in companies like Texas Health Resources, American Airlines, AT&T, and various financial institutions headquartered in Dallas and Fort Worth. The university's emphasis on a Christian worldview may also lead alumni to seek positions within faith-based organizations, non-profits, and churches, both locally and nationally.
Information on graduate school placement rates is not readily available, but TKU's curriculum, particularly in fields like business and education, likely prepares students for further academic pursuits. Career services at TKU aim to equip students with professional development skills, resume building, and interview preparation. However, with a smaller student body (251 students), the scale of internship pipelines and alumni networking may be more intimate compared to larger institutions. Students are encouraged to leverage personal connections and seek out internships independently, with career services providing support. Geographic hiring patterns tend to favor the DFW metroplex due to its economic vitality, but graduates may also find opportunities in other major Texas cities like Houston and Austin, or pursue roles in their home states. The median earnings of $41,471 ten years after graduation suggest that while TKU graduates are employed, their earning potential may not reach the levels seen at larger, more research-intensive universities.
Campus Life & Culture at The King's University
The student body at The King's University is intentionally small, fostering a close-knit and supportive environment. Students who thrive here are typically those seeking a faith-centered education, personal mentorship, and a strong sense of community, often coming from backgrounds that value Christian principles and service.
The King's University (TKU) in Southlake, Texas, offers a distinctively intimate campus experience, a direct reflection of its small student body of around 250. This size fosters a close-knit community where students often know each other across different majors and years. The 'vibe' is generally described as focused and community-oriented, with a strong emphasis on spiritual development and personal growth, aligning with its Christian foundation. Social life isn't driven by large parties or a sprawling Greek system, which is absent here. Instead, engagement tends to be through smaller, intentional gatherings, campus-organized events, and church or community involvement. Many students live off-campus in the surrounding Southlake and Grapevine areas, which are affluent suburbs known for their safety and amenities. While there isn't traditional on-campus housing, the university facilitates connections for students seeking roommates or housing options nearby. Dining is typically handled through local eateries and personal cooking, given the lack of a central dining hall. Student organizations are active but reflect the university's size and mission, focusing on areas like worship, service, academic clubs, and spiritual formation. Athletics are not a major focus, with no NCAA teams, but intramural sports or participation in local leagues might be available. The campus itself is modern and well-maintained, situated in a professional business park environment, which contributes to a focused, less traditional college-town feel. Expect a community where relationships are paramount and spiritual and academic pursuits are deeply intertwined.
Campus Highlights
- Intimate class sizes fostering deep student-faculty relationships.
- Strong emphasis on Christian faith integration across all academic disciplines.
- Close-knit community where students are known and supported.
- Location in the affluent Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex offering numerous internship and career opportunities.
- Focus on personal and spiritual development alongside academic rigor.
- Modern, professional campus setting conducive to focused study.
- Affordable tuition compared to many private universities.
Location & Regional Advantages
The King's University's location in Southlake, Texas, offers significant advantages due to its proximity to the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex, one of the largest and fastest-growing economic hubs in the United States. Southlake itself boasts a high quality of life, characterized by affluent communities, excellent schools, and a low crime rate, making it an attractive place to live. This environment provides a safe and stable backdrop for students.
Proximity to Dallas and Fort Worth opens doors to a vast array of career opportunities across numerous industries. Major corporations in sectors such as finance (e.g., Charles Schwab, Fidelity Investments), technology (e.g., Texas Instruments, AT&T), healthcare (e.g., Texas Health Resources, Baylor Scott & White), and aviation (e.g., American Airlines, Southwest Airlines) have significant operations in the DFW area. This concentration of industry provides a robust local job market for graduates. Furthermore, the DFW region is a major transportation hub, facilitating both domestic and international business, which can benefit graduates seeking diverse career paths.
The cost of living in Southlake is notably higher than the national average, reflecting its desirable location and amenities. However, this can be offset by the strong earning potential within the DFW metroplex. The generally pleasant weather, with hot summers and mild winters, contributes to a good quality of life. For students seeking post-graduation employment, the sheer density of businesses and the economic dynamism of the DFW area present a clear advantage, offering a wide range of entry-level positions and opportunities for career advancement.
How to Get Into The King's University
Gaining admission to The King's University (TKU) involves demonstrating a strong alignment with its Christian mission and academic values. Given its selectivity (60.6% admission rate), TKU seeks students who are not only academically capable but also spiritually mature and community-minded. While SAT/ACT scores are not listed as required, strong high school GPA and a rigorous course load are likely important. The admissions committee will be looking for evidence of leadership, service, and a genuine desire to contribute to the TKU community. Essays are a critical component; focus on topics that highlight your personal faith journey, your understanding of TKU's mission, and how you envision yourself growing and contributing on campus. Demonstrated interest is likely valued, so engaging with the admissions office through campus visits (virtual or in-person), information sessions, and thoughtful communication is recommended. Early Action (EA) or Early Decision (ED) advantages are not explicitly stated, but applying early is generally advisable to ensure full consideration for both admission and potential scholarships. The timeline should involve submitting your application and supporting documents well before the deadlines, typically in the fall for the following academic year, to maximize your chances.
How The King's University Compares to Similar Schools
Similar schools: Dallas Baptist University, University of Dallas, McMurry University, Hardin-Simmons University
Advantages
- Lower annual tuition compared to some private peers in Texas.
- Smaller class sizes fostering a more intimate learning environment.
- Specific focus on Christian higher education, appealing to a particular student demographic.
Disadvantages
- Significantly lower graduation rate (44.1%) compared to peers.
- Lower median earnings post-graduation compared to many similar-sized private institutions.
- Less robust career services and alumni network due to smaller size and potentially less established programs.
Best For
- Prospective students who value a faith-based education and are willing to take on significant debt may benefit from The King's University.
- Students seeking a diverse student body and a higher graduation rate may want to consider other options.
Avoid If
- Students looking for a high ROI and lower debt levels should avoid The King's University.
- Those seeking a more competitive academic environment with higher graduation rates should also consider other institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions about The King's University
How much does it cost to attend The King's University?
In-state tuition at The King's University is $12,480 per year, and out-of-state tuition is $12,480 per year. The median student debt at graduation is $27,000.
What is the acceptance rate at The King's University?
The King's University has an acceptance rate of 60.6%.
What is the graduation rate at The King's University?
The King's University has a graduation rate of 44.1%.
How much do The King's University graduates earn?
The median earnings for The King's University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $41,471. With median debt of $27,000, graduates earn roughly 1.5x their debt level annually.
How big is The King's University?
The King's University has approximately 251 students and is classified as a small institution. It is located in Southlake, TX and is a Private Nonprofit institution.
Is The King's University worth the cost?
The King's University has an ROI score of -17 out of 100. With in-state tuition of $12,480 per year and median post-graduation earnings of $41,471, the data suggests the return on investment may be below average.
Where is The King's University located?
The King's University is located in Southlake, TX. It is a Private Nonprofit institution with approximately 251 students.
How much student debt do The King's University graduates have?
The median student debt for The King's University graduates is $27,000. With median earnings of $41,471 ten years after enrollment, graduates can expect a debt-to-income ratio of 65%.
Is The King's University a good college?
The King's University has a graduation rate of 44.1% and median post-graduation earnings of $41,471. The King's University has a high admission rate of 60.64%, which might indicate a less competitive admissions process.
How does The King's University compare to similar colleges?
The student body is predominantly white, with only 6.77% black, 20.32% Hispanic, and 3.19% Asian students, suggesting a lack of diversity. Compared to peer institutions, The King's University has a lower graduation rate and higher median debt, making it less favorable in terms of value.
What career prospects do The King's University graduates have?
Graduates of The King's University may find it challenging to secure high-paying jobs, but the university could be a good fit for those seeking a faith-based education.
What should prospective students know about The King's University?
The King's University is positioned in a niche market for faith-based education, which could limit its appeal to a broader audience.
What makes The King's University stand out?
The university is small, which could limit resources and opportunities for students compared to larger institutions.
What are the pros and cons of attending The King's University?
The tuition is the same for in-state and out-of-state students, which might be a factor in its affordability.
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View on College Scorecard (Dept. of Education)
Analysis based on U.S. Department of Education data. Not enrollment advice. Verify information with the institution directly.