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Tennessee State University offers the state's most affordable business economics program at just $10,026 net cost, while the University of Tennessee-Knoxville graduates earn $46,087 annually despite charging $18,109. This $36,070 price spread between cheapest and most expensive options reflects Tennessee's mix of accessible public universities and selective private colleges. Business graduates find strong opportunities in Nashville's healthcare headquarters like HCA Healthcare, Memphis logistics operations, and the state's growing automotive manufacturing sector. Tennessee's lack of state income tax means graduates keep more of their earnings, making even mid-range programs financially attractive for long-term career building.
12
Programs
$10,026 – $32,096
Net Price Range
$39,134
Avg. Program Earnings
56.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

12 Business/Managerial Economics Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,026 $8,568 33.0%
2 $10,299 $10,208 54.8% 88.4%
3 $12,599 $9,506 54.0% 72.5%
4 $12,817 $10,144 53.1% 82.7%
5 $13,253 $10,344 49.4% 94.6%
6 $14,207 $10,084 54.2% 78.1%
7 $15,794 $9,950 49.9% 85.3%
8 $18,109 $13,484 73.5% 68.4%
9 $18,661 $34,700 46.4% 79.8%
10 $25,610 $38,824 68.7% 71.1%
11 $26,815 $38,450 70.9% 52.6%
12 $32,096 $41,320 71.7% 96.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $36,070 gap between Tennessee's cheapest and most expensive business programs?

Tennessee State University charges $10,026 net while Belmont University costs $32,096, reflecting the state's public-private divide. Public universities like UTK and Memphis offer strong value with graduates earning $41,025-$46,087, while private colleges often provide smaller class sizes and higher graduation rates.

How do graduation rates vary across Tennessee's business economics programs?

Graduation rates span from 33% at Tennessee State to 73.5% at UT-Knoxville, with most private colleges achieving 68-72% rates. Middle Tennessee State and UT-Martin both maintain solid 54% completion rates while keeping costs under $13,000.

Does Tennessee's job market support business economics graduates effectively?

Tennessee's economy centers on healthcare management through HCA Healthcare in Nashville, logistics operations in Memphis, and automotive manufacturing statewide. The state's zero income tax policy means graduates retain more earnings, with top programs producing $46,087 average salaries.

Where can students find the best value among Tennessee's business programs?

UT-Knoxville offers the highest graduate earnings at $46,087 for $18,109 net cost, while University of Memphis provides strong value with $41,025 earnings for just $13,253. Both schools maintain acceptance rates above 68% for accessible admission.

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.