Est. Earnings (1yr)
$74,363
Est. from TN median (4 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,000
Est. from national median (48 programs)

Analysis

Drawing from four comparable engineering programs across Tennessee, this degree path suggests first-year earnings around $74,363—closely aligned with what UT-Knoxville and UT-Chattanooga graduates actually report. The estimated $26,000 debt load, based on national patterns for similar private institutions, translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35, which falls comfortably within manageable territory for an engineering credential.

What's reassuring here is the consistency. Tennessee's electrical engineering programs cluster tightly in the $71,000-$75,000 range regardless of institution, suggesting the state's employer demand for these skills produces fairly uniform outcomes. Christian Brothers' private university premium in cost (reflected in that slightly higher estimated debt compared to Tennessee's $22,315 median) doesn't appear to translate into meaningfully different earning power versus public universities. The actual national benchmark of $77,710 sits only about $3,300 higher, indicating Tennessee programs as a group track reasonably close to the national market.

The clearest takeaway: if Christian Brothers can hold total debt near that $26,000 estimate—verify this through the school's net price calculator based on your family's specific finances—you're looking at a credential that peer programs suggest will support comfortable repayment. Engineering tends to deliver regardless of institutional prestige, but confirm the actual cost before committing, as small private universities can vary significantly in their financial aid packages.

Where Christian Brothers University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all electrical, electronics and communications engineering bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Tennessee

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Tennessee (11 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Christian Brothers UniversityMemphis$37,300$74,363*$26,000*
The University of Tennessee-KnoxvilleKnoxville$13,484$75,316*$88,535$21,630*0.29
The University of Tennessee-ChattanoogaChattanooga$10,144$75,273*$88,939$28,375*0.38
Tennessee Technological UniversityCookeville$10,084$73,453*$88,359$20,034*0.27
University of MemphisMemphis$10,344$71,137*$79,126$23,000*0.32
National Median$77,710*$24,989*0.32
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with electrical, electronics and communications engineering graduates

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Hardware Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components.

$155,020/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Aerospace Engineers

Perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. May conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. May recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques.

$134,830/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Electrical Engineers

Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.

$118,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Electronics Engineers, Except Computer

Research, design, develop, or test electronic components and systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use employing knowledge of electronic theory and materials properties. Design electronic circuits and components for use in fields such as telecommunications, aerospace guidance and propulsion control, acoustics, or instruments and controls.

$118,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists

Design and implement radio frequency identification device (RFID) systems used to track shipments or goods.

$118,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Engineers, All Other

All engineers not listed separately.

Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar

Design, develop, or evaluate energy-related projects or programs to reduce energy costs or improve energy efficiency during the designing, building, or remodeling stages of construction. May specialize in electrical systems; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems; green buildings; lighting; air quality; or energy procurement.

Mechatronics Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test automation, intelligent systems, smart devices, or industrial systems control.

Microsystems Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.

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 Christian Brothers University, approximately 31% 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 4 similar programs in TN. Actual outcomes may vary.