Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $66,318/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$32,318/yr |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,500 |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences. | Master | $198,793 | |
| Dentistry. | Doctoral | $121,046 | $250,824 |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $116,509 | $138,945 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $112,660 | $70,335 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $92,277 | $92,386 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $76,460 | $31,255 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $69,775 | $61,500 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $69,710 | $60,841 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Doctoral | $69,338 | $106,100 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $68,778 |
Analysis
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center is a health-focused public school where the numbers hold together because the debt stays low. Graduates carry a median debt well under what you see at most four-year schools, and $66,318 in median earnings ten years out clears that debt comfortably. This is one of the safer bets in the sense that you are unlikely to be buried by loans here.
Nursing is the clear winner among the bachelor's programs. You earn close to $62,000 against $18,000 in debt, which is a workable ratio for the Memphis and broader Tennessee health job market where hospital demand is steady. Clinical and medical laboratory science pays around $52,000, solid but a step down. Dental support services sits at the bottom near $45,000, and while the $15,000 debt load is modest, the earnings ceiling is lower, so weigh that before committing.
The main risk here is scope. This is a health sciences institution, so your options funnel into nursing, lab science, and allied health. If you are not committed to a clinical career, this is the wrong school. The undergraduate earnings figures also lag the $66,318 school-wide median, which is pulled up by the graduate and professional degrees that dominate this campus.
This school fits you if you want a direct path into nursing or a hospital lab role and want to graduate with little debt. Look elsewhere if you want a general undergraduate education or a non-health major.
On net price, lower-income families should confirm what grant aid actually covers, since only about one in eight students receives a Pell Grant here and the rest of the aid picture varies by income. Run the net price calculator for your specific bracket before assuming the sticker price applies to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The University of Tennessee Health Science Center worth the cost?
With median debt of just $12,500 and average earnings of $66,318 after 10 years, UTHSC offers strong financial returns for a health sciences school. The low debt burden makes this one of the more affordable paths into healthcare careers.
What are the highest paying programs at The University of Tennessee Health Science Center?
Dentistry programs lead earnings at UTHSC, with advanced dental specialties averaging $198,793 and general dentistry at $121,046. Pharmacy graduates earn around $116,509, while nursing graduates average $112,660.
How much debt do students graduate with from The University of Tennessee Health Science Center?
UTHSC graduates carry a median debt of $12,500, which is unusually low for a health sciences university. This makes the school accessible compared to other medical and dental programs that often result in six-figure debt loads.
Does The University of Tennessee Health Science Center have good financial aid?
The low median debt suggests UTHSC provides substantial financial support or affordable tuition. Students graduate with manageable debt levels that allow for reasonable loan repayment given typical healthcare salaries.