Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at Christian Brothers University
Bachelor's Degree
cbu.eduAnalysis
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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $37,300 | $74,363* | — | $26,000* | — | |
| $13,484 | $75,316* | $88,535 | $21,630* | 0.29 | |
| $10,144 | $75,273* | $88,939 | $28,375* | 0.38 | |
| $10,084 | $73,453* | $88,359 | $20,034* | 0.27 | |
| $10,344 | $71,137* | $79,126 | $23,000* | 0.32 | |
| National Median | — | $77,710* | — | $24,989* | 0.32 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with electrical, electronics and communications engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Computer Hardware Engineers
Aerospace Engineers
Electrical Engineers
Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Engineers, All Other
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
Mechatronics Engineers
Microsystems Engineers
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.