At $10,299/yr net price, The University of Tennessee-Martin graduates earn $44,213/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,213/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,299 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $41,196 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,213/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,213/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 54.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,024 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,949/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,583/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,457/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,476/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,325/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. | Bachelor | $58,549 | $23,362 |
| Engineering, General. | Bachelor | $56,415 | $29,750 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $52,733 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $47,260 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $44,933 | $21,250 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $43,240 | |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $42,682 | $20,251 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $42,123 | $49,814 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $41,007 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $39,860 | $51,164 |
The Risk Factor
54.8% of students at The University of Tennessee-Martin 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-Martin delivers solid financial returns for a regional public university, with a low net price that keeps debt manageable for most graduates. Your median debt of around $21,000 is reasonable compared to national averages, making the financial risk lower than many alternatives.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner here, with graduates earning nearly $59,000 annually despite slightly higher debt loads. Engineering also pays off well at over $56,000, though debt runs higher at nearly $30,000. Computer science and accounting provide decent middle-ground options with earnings in the mid-40s range. Educational administration shows strong earnings potential for those pursuing advanced degrees.
The main financial risk at UT-Martin is the 55% graduation rate. If you struggle with college completion, you could end up with debt but no degree. The 73% retention rate suggests some students transfer out after freshman year, which could indicate academic or social fit issues.
This school works best financially if you're pursuing nursing, engineering, or other technical fields where the regional job market supports graduates. Rural west Tennessee offers lower living costs that stretch your starting salary further than urban markets. You should look elsewhere if you're targeting high-paying fields like finance or technology that require major metropolitan job markets.
With only 34% of students receiving financial aid, merit scholarships may be limited. However, the already low sticker price means you're less dependent on aid to make the numbers work. In-state residents get strong value here compared to flagship universities with similar programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The University of Tennessee-Martin worth the cost?
UT-Martin offers solid value with a low net price of $10,299 annually and graduates earning $44,213 after 10 years. However, the 55% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish, which significantly hurts ROI for those who leave with debt but no degree.
What are the best paying majors at The University of Tennessee-Martin?
Nursing programs at UT-Martin lead earnings at $58,549, followed by engineering at $56,415. These programs justify the cost, while other majors like accounting ($44,933) provide more modest returns relative to the investment.
How much debt do students graduate with from The University of Tennessee-Martin?
UT-Martin graduates carry a median debt of $21,024, which is manageable given the low cost of attendance. The debt-to-income ratio works out reasonably well for nursing and engineering majors but may strain graduates in lower-paying fields.
Does The University of Tennessee-Martin have good job placement after graduation?
With an 88% acceptance rate and 55% graduation rate, UT-Martin serves students who might not succeed elsewhere, but this also means academic support varies. Job outcomes depend heavily on your major, with healthcare and engineering programs showing stronger employment prospects than liberal arts fields.