Tennessee State University
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$34,272
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$-840/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
N/A years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
-149%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
One year after graduation, Tennessee State University graduates earn a median of $36,092, while the annual in-state tuition is $8,568. The median debt for graduates is $27,000. Considering the first-year earnings, the tuition cost represents approximately 24% of the annual income.
The five-year median earnings are $34,160. The ten-year median earnings increase to $42,730. With a median debt of $27,000, the debt-to-income ratio is approximately 79% based on the first-year earnings.
Given the median debt and the first-year earnings, the break-even point, where cumulative earnings equal the debt, would be reached in approximately 0.75 years.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$8,568
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$34,160
Graduation Rate
33%
Receive Financial Aid
39%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $34,272 | $53,542 | 982% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | $34,272 | $43,592 | 401% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $34,272 | $67,443 | 1793% |
| Communication and Media Studies. | $34,272 | $35,498 | -71% |
| Psychology, General. | $34,272 | $38,799 | 122% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | $34,272 | $38,970 | 132% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | $34,272 | $36,722 | 0% |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other. | $34,272 | $37,131 | 24% |
| Public Health. | $34,272 | $0 | N/A |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | $34,272 | $53,270 | 966% |
| Public Administration. | $34,272 | $0 | N/A |
| Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies. | $34,272 | $31,584 | N/A |
Peer Comparison
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.