The University of Tennessee-Knoxville ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
Quick answer
USACollegeData.com ROI analysis (College Scorecard data): four years at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville costs about $53,936 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $47,782 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 4.2 years (20-year ROI: 374%).
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$53,936
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$12,782/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
4.2 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
374%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville has a strong return on investment. One year after graduation, alumni earn $44,937, which is more than three times the in-state tuition cost of $13,484. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $47,782, and after ten years, earnings reach $60,249.
The median debt for graduates is $20,500. With a one-year post-graduation income of $44,937, the debt-to-income ratio is approximately 0.46. This indicates that graduates are likely able to manage their debt effectively.
Given the earnings data and the median debt, the break-even timeline, or the time it takes to earn back the tuition cost, is relatively short. The initial earnings significantly exceed the tuition cost, suggesting a quick return on the educational investment.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$13,484
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500
Median Earnings (5yr)
$47,782
Graduation Rate
73%
Receive Financial Aid
30%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
Peer Comparison
374%
20yr ROI
717%
20yr ROI
872%
20yr ROI
339%
20yr ROI
1012%
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.