At $15,133/yr net price, The University of Tennessee Southern graduates earn $38,924/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,924/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,133 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $60,532 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,924/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,924/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 12.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 35.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,377/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,291/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,701/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,790/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,352/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 | $47,650 | $23,425 |
The Risk Factor
35.7% of students at The University of Tennessee Southern graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
The University of Tennessee Southern gives you a weak financial return. Median earnings ten years out sit at $38,924, which barely clears what many jobs pay without a degree at all. You would take on $21,500 in debt to reach that number, and the math does not favor you.
Nursing is the one program worth your attention here. It pays $47,650 a year, close to $9,000 above the school-wide median, and it maps directly onto a hospital job market that hires in Pulaski and across rural Tennessee. If you enroll here, nursing is the clearest path to earning back what you spend. No other bachelor-level program reports earnings, so outside of nursing you are betting on an outcome the data cannot confirm.
The bigger risk is finishing at all. Only 64% of you come back for a second year, and just 36% graduate. If you leave with debt and no degree, you carry the loan without the earnings bump that makes it survivable. That dropout risk is the single most important number for this school, and it hits harder than the modest sticker price.
The net price tiers are unusual: if your family earns under $30k, you pay about $10,377, while families over $75k pay roughly $18,500. The gap between low and high income is smaller than at many schools, so lower-income families get real relief but not a free ride.
This school fits you if you are set on nursing and confident you will finish. If you are undecided on a major, or unsure you will make it to graduation, the low completion rate and flat earnings make this a hard bet. Look elsewhere for a stronger payoff in any field but nursing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The University of Tennessee Southern worth the cost?
The University of Tennessee Southern offers mixed value with a relatively low net price of $15,133 per year but concerning outcomes including a 36% graduation rate and median earnings of $38,924 after 10 years. The nursing programs provide better returns with graduates earning around $47,650, but other programs may not justify the investment.
What is the return on investment for The University of Tennessee Southern graduates?
Most graduates earn $38,924 ten years after enrollment, which is below average for college graduates. With median debt of $21,500, the payback period is reasonable, but the low graduation rate means many students take on debt without completing their degree.
Which programs at The University of Tennessee Southern have the best job prospects?
Nursing programs at The University of Tennessee Southern offer the strongest career outcomes, with graduates earning around $47,650 annually. Other programs show significantly lower earning potential, making nursing the clear standout for return on investment.
What are the biggest financial risks of attending The University of Tennessee Southern?
The primary risk is the 36% graduation rate, meaning nearly two-thirds of students leave without a degree while potentially carrying student debt. Students outside of nursing programs face particularly weak earning prospects relative to their educational investment.