Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 57.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 54.2%
- Retention Rate
- 77.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $48,501
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $15,650
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 63.7%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $166/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $84,284 | $28,090 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $70,296 | $19,367 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $66,355 | $19,000 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,005 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $62,579 | $19,050 |
| Engineering Technology, General. | Bachelor | $60,256 | $22,087 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $59,688 | $17,855 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $59,576 | $13,500 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $53,775 | $23,143 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $53,202 | $20,770 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $51,907 | $15,625 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $40,945 | $21,902 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Master | $40,461 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $39,729 | $15,500 |
| Agriculture, General. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $14,500 |
Outcomes Overview
Tennessee Tech graduates enter the workforce with a median debt of $15,650 and earn $48,501 ten years after graduation, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 32%. Monthly loan payments of $166 represent just 4.1% of typical graduate income. The university's strong engineering reputation helps explain why 95.8% of graduates find employment. Tech's STEM focus feeds graduates into Tennessee's growing aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing sectors. Alumni like former NASA engineer Jere Whitson demonstrate the school's pipeline into high-paying technical careers. With below-average debt loads and solid earning potential in engineering-heavy industries, Tennessee Tech delivers a strong return on investment for students seeking practical, career-focused education.