At $18,109/yr net price, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville graduates earn $60,249/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $26,249/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,109 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $72,436 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $60,249/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$26,249/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 73.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,397/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,714/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,820/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,297/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,438/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dentistry. | Doctoral | $138,932 | |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $121,650 | |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Master | $99,662 | $31,504 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $99,251 | $40,816 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $91,502 | $61,500 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $90,412 | |
| Veterinary Medicine. | Doctoral | $75,832 | $163,453 |
| Nuclear Engineering. | Doctoral | $75,204 | |
| Nuclear Engineering. | Bachelor | $75,204 | $22,500 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,338 | $21,565 |
The Risk Factor
73.5% of students at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 27% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville delivers solid financial returns with median earnings reaching $60,249 ten years after graduation against a manageable net price of $18,109 annually. Your debt burden stays reasonable at $20,500, making this one of the better public university values in the Southeast.
The professional programs drive the strongest returns here. Dentistry graduates earn nearly $139,000 annually, while pharmacy graduates pull in $121,650. Business administration and management sciences both crack $99,000 in median earnings, though business majors carry higher debt loads at $40,816. Nursing graduates earn $91,502 but shoulder $61,500 in debt, creating a less favorable debt-to-income ratio than other top programs.
Your biggest financial risk lies in Tennessee's historically limited job market outside Nashville and Memphis. Many graduates migrate to Atlanta, Charlotte, or other regional hubs for career advancement, potentially complicating your return on investment if you prefer staying local.
UT-Knoxville works best financially if you can access in-state tuition and target the business, healthcare, or technical programs that employers in the Southeast actively recruit. The 73.5% graduation rate means you face real completion risk if you struggle academically.
Only 20.68% of students receive need-based aid, suggesting limited financial assistance beyond basic federal programs. Merit scholarships exist but competition runs intense given the school's academic reputation in Tennessee. Your best cost strategy involves maximizing in-state residency benefits and avoiding program switching that extends your time to graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The University of Tennessee-Knoxville worth the cost?
UTK offers solid value with a net price of $18,109 and graduates earning $60,249 after 10 years. The return depends heavily on your major, with dentistry and pharmacy grads earning over $120,000 while other programs vary widely.
What are the highest paying majors at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville?
Dentistry leads at $138,932, followed by pharmacy at $121,650 and business management at $99,662. These professional programs justify the investment, while other majors may not provide the same financial return.
How much student debt do University of Tennessee-Knoxville graduates typically have?
UTK graduates leave with a median debt of $20,500, which is manageable compared to the national average. The relatively low debt load helps improve the school's overall value proposition.
Does The University of Tennessee-Knoxville have good financial aid?
With a net price of $18,109 for the average student, UTK provides decent financial aid that keeps costs reasonable for a public university. The 68% acceptance rate means most qualified students can access this pricing.