The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$40,576
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$7,209/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
5.6 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
255%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
One year after graduation, University of Tennessee-Chattanooga alumni earn a median of $40,626, which is approximately four times the in-state tuition cost of $10,144. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $42,209, and ten years after graduation, earnings reach $51,151. The median debt for graduates is $19,500, and 38.4% of students receive financial aid.
The debt-to-income ratio for graduates can be calculated by comparing the median debt to the median earnings. The median debt of $19,500 is approximately half of the one-year earnings of $40,626. The five-year earnings of $42,209 are more than double the median debt.
Based on the provided data, a graduate could potentially break even on their tuition investment within the first year of employment, considering the initial salary surpasses the tuition cost. The break-even point is further accelerated by the increase in earnings over five and ten years.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$10,144
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
Median Earnings (5yr)
$42,209
Graduation Rate
53%
Receive Financial Aid
38%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $90,322 | 2627% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $41,800 | 235% |
| Psychology, General | $90,667 | 2644% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $157,831 | 5954% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $50,488 | 663% |
| Communication and Media Studies | $45,448 | 415% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $38,871 | 91% |
| Biology, General | $43,959 | 342% |
| Mechanical Engineering | $81,689 | 2201% |
| English Language and Literature, General | $39,145 | 104% |
| Engineering-Related Fields | $61,709 | 1216% |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions | $70,521 | 1651% |
Peer Comparison
255%
20yr ROI
466%
20yr ROI
223%
20yr ROI
382%
20yr ROI
417%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Frequently Asked Questions
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.