Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 21.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $37,598
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $10,419
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 32.2%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $110/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Certificate | $69,338 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $52,242 | $13,500 |
| Engineering Technology, General. | Associate | $50,060 | $12,000 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $48,965 | $13,000 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | Associate | $48,641 | |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $44,170 | $5,079 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $42,682 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $42,682 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $37,208 | $13,595 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $35,907 | $7,704 |
| Engineering, General. | Associate | $34,530 | $13,125 |
| Ground Transportation. | Certificate | $34,348 | $5,500 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $33,281 | $5,500 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $32,213 | $3,933 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $31,996 |
Outcomes Overview
Chattanooga State graduates earn a median of $37,598 ten years after leaving school. With typical debt of $10,419, graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 28%, well below the problematic 40% threshold. Monthly loan payments of $110 represent only 3.5% of median income, making repayment manageable for most. The college's strong ties to local healthcare systems, manufacturing plants, and logistics companies help explain the 95.1% employment rate. Many graduates enter fields like nursing, automotive technology, and business administration where associate degrees translate directly to middle-class wages. Despite the modest 21.9% six-year completion rate, those who finish find solid financial footing with minimal debt burden, creating a strong return on investment.