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 gives you a solid but uneven financial return. With a net price near $12,800 a year and median debt under $20,000, you graduate owing less than a single year's median earnings of $51,151. That debt-to-earnings ratio is safe, and the low debt load is the strongest part of this school's numbers.
Engineering is where the money is. Electrical engineering grads clear $72,000, and even the lowest-paying engineering track here, civil, tops $62,000. Civil engineers also carry the least debt of the engineering group at $18,000, making it the best cost-to-payoff bet on the list. Every engineering major here pays well above the school-wide median, so if you can finish one of these programs, the math works clearly in your favor.
The risk is finishing at all. Only 53% of students graduate, and about 1 in 4 don't return after freshman year. Engineering weeds people out, and if you take on debt but leave without the degree, you get the loans without the $72,000 salary to pay them. That completion risk is the real financial danger at UTC, not the price.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay around $8,500 a year. But the jump is steep in the middle: the $75-110k bracket actually pays more than families earning over $110,000. If you land in that upper-middle range, budget carefully, because you get less of a discount than families both below and above you.
This school fits you if you're aiming for an engineering degree and can commit to finishing. If you're undecided or shaky on completing a demanding major, the graduation odds make the bet riskier for you.
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.