Business Administration, Management and Operations at Chattanooga State Community College

Graduates from Chattanooga State's business administration program start with a first-year salary of $36,486—solidly above Tennessee's median for this degree and ahead of 60% of similar programs statewide. That's the good news. The troubling part is what happens next: within four years, median earnings drop to $30,209, a 17% decline that puts these graduates below even the state average. While the small sample size (fewer than 30 graduates tracked) means we should be cautious about drawing firm conclusions, this backward trajectory deserves scrutiny.

The $15,162 in typical debt sits right at Tennessee's median for this program, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio in year one. However, if that earnings decline reflects a real pattern—perhaps graduates taking entry-level roles that don't lead to advancement, or simply experiencing high turnover—it fundamentally changes the investment calculation. For comparison, Cleveland State's business administration grads earn $50,301 even in their first year, while Volunteer State graduates start at $40,513.

Before committing, talk to the career services office about where recent graduates are actually working and why earnings appear to slide. If those conversations reveal placement in dead-end positions or industries with limited growth, the initial salary advantage won't compensate for lost momentum later in your child's career.