Analysis
Similar business economics programs in Tennessee suggest first-year earnings around $43,400—nearly $10,000 below the national median for this degree. With estimated debt of $24,000, graduates would be dedicating roughly half their first year's salary to loan payments, a manageable but not impressive ratio for a business credential that typically promises stronger earning potential.
Tennessee's business economics market appears weaker than the national landscape overall. The state's top programs cluster in the low-to-mid $40,000s for starting salaries, with only UT-Knoxville breaking $44,000. Carson-Newman's estimated position within this range mirrors the state median, but both lag considerably behind peer programs nationally. For a field where early earnings growth and networking matter significantly, starting $10,000 behind puts graduates at a disadvantage when competing for advancement opportunities or building financial stability.
The debt load here is reasonable on its own—close to the national median—but the return doesn't justify choosing this path over alternatives. Parents should recognize that with 39% of students receiving Pell grants, Carson-Newman serves many price-sensitive families, yet this program's estimated outcomes don't offer the financial acceleration that makes borrowing $24,000 worthwhile. If your child is set on business economics, programs outside Tennessee or different business specializations within the state might deliver better value for the same credential level.
Where Carson-Newman University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/managerial economics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Tennessee
Business/Managerial Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Tennessee (12 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Carson-Newman UniversityJefferson City | $34,700 | $43,422* | — | $24,000* | — |
 The University of Tennessee-KnoxvilleKnoxville | $13,484 | $44,025* | $62,859 | $23,847* | 0.54 |
 Belmont UniversityNashville | $41,320 | $43,422* | — | —* | — |
 University of MemphisMemphis | $10,344 | $37,534* | $56,719 | $26,000* | 0.69 |
| National Median | — | $53,219* | — | $22,250* | 0.42 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/managerial economics graduates
Economists
Environmental Economists
Financial Risk Specialists
Management Analysts
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
Survey Researchers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Carson-Newman University, approximately 39% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 3 similar programs in TN. Actual outcomes may vary.