At $28,726/yr net price, Chattanooga College Medical Dental and & Technical Careers graduates earn $25,954/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $28,726 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $114,904 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $25,954/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-8,046/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 87.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $7,891 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $28,724/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $28,773/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $28,723/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $40,647 | $13,583 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $23,391 | $19,859 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $20,824 | $17,669 |
The Risk Factor
87.4% of students at Chattanooga College Medical Dental and & Technical Careers graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
The financial return at Chattanooga College Medical, Dental & Technical Careers is weak. Ten years after enrolling, the median graduate earns under $26,000 a year, which is close to what a full-time minimum-wage job pays in Tennessee. You pay nearly $29,000 a year to attend, and that price barely moves whether your family earns under $30,000 or up to $75,000. There is no meaningful discount for lower-income families here.
The one program that pays off is the Practical Nursing certificate at roughly $40,600 a year. That credential clears the debt it carries and lands you in a field with steady demand in the Chattanooga area. If you come here, this is the program to take.
The two associate programs are the problem. Allied Health and Medical Assisting graduates earn about $23,400 while carrying nearly $20,000 in debt. Dental Support graduates earn even less, around $20,800, against roughly $17,700 in debt. You pay two years of full price and take on more debt for these degrees, then earn less than the shorter nursing certificate delivers. The math does not work.
The specific risk is the flat net price combined with low earnings. You borrow the same regardless of income, and for the associate tracks the earnings never catch up to the cost. The 87% graduation rate means you will likely finish, but finishing a program that pays $21,000 is not a financial win.
This school is a reasonable fit only if you enter the Practical Nursing certificate and can limit borrowing. If you are considering either associate program, price out a community college nursing or dental path first. You will likely pay far less for similar or better earnings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chattanooga College Medical Dental and & Technical Careers worth the cost?
The numbers suggest poor value, with graduates earning just $25,954 ten years after enrollment while paying $28,726 annually. Most programs lead to salaries below the cost of attendance, making this a risky investment.
Which programs at Chattanooga College Medical Dental and & Technical Careers have the best ROI?
Practical Nursing offers the strongest return with graduates earning $40,647, well above the school's cost. Medical Assisting ($23,391) and Dental Support ($20,824) programs result in salaries below annual tuition.
How much debt do Chattanooga College Medical Dental and & Technical Careers graduates typically have?
The median debt is relatively low at $7,891, which helps offset the poor earnings outcomes. However, even this modest debt burden may be difficult to manage on typical graduate salaries of around $26,000.
What is the graduation rate at Chattanooga College Medical Dental and & Technical Careers?
The school has a strong 87% graduation rate, indicating students complete their programs successfully. Unfortunately, completing the program doesn't guarantee financial success given the low post-graduation earnings.