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 gives you a solid, low-risk financial deal. A net price around $10,000 a year against median debt near $21,000 keeps borrowing modest, and the median earnings ten years out clear that debt without trouble. This is a school where the math works because costs stay low, not because pay is high.
Your major decides everything here. Nursing is the clear winner, pairing the highest earnings with debt that stays reasonable for what you get back. Engineering pays nearly as well but comes with the heaviest debt load on this list, so the return depends on finishing and landing work in the field. Computer science lands in the mid-$40,000s. Accounting and finance sit right around the school's overall median, meaning they pay off mostly because they cost little, not because they open high salaries. If you pick one of these business majors expecting a big earnings jump, you won't get it.
The main risk is completion. A 55% graduation rate and 73% retention mean a real chance you leave with debt and no degree, which flips this from a safe bet to a loss. In a rural West Tennessee job market, the low-cost majors lean on staying in-region to work, so plan for where the jobs actually are.
If your family earns under $48,000, this is one of the cheapest four-year paths you'll find, with net prices in the $7,000-$8,600 range. Above $110,000 you pay roughly double that, still low by national standards. Martin fits you if you want nursing or engineering and will finish. Look elsewhere if you're chasing high finance or tech salaries, or if you're unsure you'll graduate.
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.