Chattanooga, TN · Private University
Is The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$51,151
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$10,144
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$18,208
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$72,832
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
2.81x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
4.5 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
53.1%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$19,500
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$12,817
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga graduates earn $6,151 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga ranked by graduate earnings
43 graduates
20 graduates
77 graduates
39 graduates
38 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings — your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, the gap between the highest-earning major (Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering: $88,939) and the lowest (Social Sciences, Other: $33,402) is $55,537/yr — bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications EngineeringBest ROI | $88,939 | 4.9x |
| Chemical Engineering | $84,045 | 4.6x |
| Mechanical Engineering | $81,689 | 4.5x |
| Computer Science | $77,869 | 4.3x |
| Civil Engineering | $77,793 | 4.3x |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $62,910 | 3.5x |
| Engineering-Related Fields | $61,709 | 3.4x |
| Chemistry | $61,703 | 3.4x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $52,535 | 2.9x |
| Political Science and Government | $46,643 | 2.6x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $45,448 | 2.5x |
| Biology, General | $43,959 | 2.4x |
| Design and Applied Arts(1yr data) | $41,968 | 2.3x |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $41,800 | 2.3x |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $41,212 | 2.3x |
| History | $39,719 | 2.2x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $39,355 | 2.2x |
| Social Work | $39,336 | 2.2x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $39,145 | 2.1x |
| Psychology, General | $39,041 | 2.1x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $38,871 | 2.1x |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $37,770 | 2.1x |
| Social Sciences, OtherLowest | $33,402 | 1.8x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $51,151 10 years after starting — $6,151 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 4.5 years — faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.