Pulaski, TN · Private University
Is The University of Tennessee Southern Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$38,924
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$10,506
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$10,506
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$42,024
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
3.71x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
10.7 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
35.7%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$21,500
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$15,133
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
The University of Tennessee Southern graduates earn $6,076 less 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 Southern ranked by graduate earnings
26 graduates
20 graduates
20 graduates
17 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at The University of Tennessee Southern
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical NursingBest ROI | $55,793 | 5.3x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations(1yr data) | $36,954 | 3.5x |
| Psychology, General(1yr data) | $30,958 | 3.0x |
| Health and Physical Education/FitnessLowest(1yr data) | $28,069 | 2.7x |
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 Southern stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $38,924 10 years after starting, $6,076 below the national median of $45,000. At the current earnings trajectory, it takes approximately 10.7 years to recover the total cost of attendance.
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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.