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Return on Investment Analysis

The University of Tennessee Southern 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 Southern costs about $42,024 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $36,151 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 36.5 years (20-year ROI: -45%).

ROI Summary

Total 4-Year Cost

$42,024

In-state tuition x 4

Earnings Premium

$1,151/yr

above high school diploma avg

Break-Even Point

36.5 years

After graduation

20-Year ROI

-45%

Return on investment

ROI Analysis

The University of Tennessee Southern has a low graduation rate of 32.9% and a retention rate of 64.3%. The acceptance rate is high, at 82.7%, and the student body is small, with 827 students. The in-state tuition is $10,506. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $34,798. Five years after graduation, the median earnings are $36,151, and ten years after graduation, the median earnings are $38,924.

The median debt for students is $21,500. With a median debt of $21,500 and a starting salary of $34,798, the debt-to-income ratio is approximately 62%. Assuming a standard 10% income-driven repayment plan, the break-even timeline is approximately 1.5 years. 33.4% of students receive financial aid.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

The Numbers

Annual Tuition (In-State)

$10,506

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,500

Median Earnings (5yr)

$36,151

Graduation Rate

33%

Receive Financial Aid

33%

Avg Aid Amount

N/A

Program-Level ROI

Program 4yr Cost Median Earnings (5yr) Est. 20yr ROI
Business Administration, Management and Operations $42,024 $0 N/A
Health and Physical Education/Fitness $42,024 $0 N/A
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing $42,024 $55,793 890%
Psychology, General $42,024 $0 N/A

Peer Comparison

The University of Tennessee Southern Current

-45%

20yr ROI

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

-0%

20yr ROI

Delta State University

-26%

20yr ROI

Francis Marion University

-42%

20yr ROI

North Carolina Central University

-26%

20yr ROI

Financial Aid Impact

Before Aid

4-Year Tuition$42,024
Median Debt$21,500

After Aid (Estimated)

Estimated Total Aid$0
Net 4-Year Cost$42,024

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on government data, The University of Tennessee Southern has an estimated 20-year ROI of -45%. The total 4-year cost is $42,024 and graduates earn a median of $36,151 within 5 years.

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.

Back to The University of Tennessee Southern Colleges in Tennessee Compare Schools ROI Rankings