At $12,817/yr net price, The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga graduates earn $51,151/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $17,151/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,817 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $51,268 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $51,151/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$17,151/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 53.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,492/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,682/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,478/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,332/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,862/yr |
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 | $145,898 | $61,063 |
| Engineering-Related Fields. | Master | $76,460 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $76,041 | $29,420 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $72,883 | $23,000 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $71,255 | $74,500 |
| Engineering, General. | Bachelor | $69,338 | |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $67,324 | |
| Psychology, General. | Master | $63,005 | $28,500 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,005 | $20,841 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $62,012 | $18,000 |
The Risk Factor
53.1% of students at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga delivers solid financial returns for most graduates, with median earnings exceeding $51,000 annually against a manageable net price under $13,000. The school's location in Chattanooga's growing manufacturing and healthcare corridor strengthens job prospects for technical graduates.
Nursing students see strong returns with nearly $146,000 in median earnings, though you'll carry higher debt loads around $61,000. Engineering and business programs also perform well, with electrical engineering graduates earning over $72,000 while keeping debt reasonable at $23,000. These programs align with regional employers like Volkswagen, Amazon, and the Tennessee Valley Authority.
The 53% graduation rate presents real financial risk. Nearly half of students leave without degrees but often with debt. If you're academically borderline or lack clear career direction, this risk compounds at UTC. The 74% retention rate suggests many students struggle with the transition to college-level work.
UTC works best financially if you're Tennessee resident pursuing healthcare, engineering, or business programs with clear career paths. Out-of-state students should calculate carefully whether the premium justifies attending over their home state options. Students considering liberal arts or undecided majors face higher risk of leaving without credentials that justify the investment.
Tennessee residents benefit from relatively low in-state pricing, though only 32% receive need-based aid. Merit scholarships exist but aren't extensive enough to make UTC competitive for high-achieving out-of-state students. Your best strategy involves choosing a high-earning major and graduating on time to maximize the school's decent earning potential while minimizing debt accumulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga worth the debt?
With median debt of $19,500 and graduates earning $51,151 after 10 years, most students can manage their loans reasonably well. However, the 53% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish, which creates debt without the degree.
What are the best paying majors at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga?
Nursing leads with graduates earning around $145,898, followed by engineering fields at $76,460. Business and electrical engineering also show strong returns above $70,000, while other programs may struggle to justify the cost.
How does The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga ROI compare to other schools?
The $51,151 average earnings are below national averages for college graduates. The low graduation rate of 53% significantly hurts overall value, though the relatively affordable $12,817 net price helps offset weaker earning potential.
Should I attend The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga for a business degree?
Business graduates earn around $76,041, which provides decent returns given the school's low cost. However, the high acceptance rate and modest graduation rate suggest you should have strong alternatives before committing.