Analysis
Christian Brothers University's engineering program shows solid financial fundamentals based on what we can infer from national peer programs. With estimated first-year earnings around $68,000 and projected debt of $26,500, graduates would face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39—meaning debt represents less than 40% of first year income. That's a workable starting point for an engineering career.
These figures align closely with national medians for bachelor's-level engineering programs, suggesting CBU's outcomes likely track with broader industry patterns. Tennessee's engineering programs typically produce slightly lower earnings (around $64,000) but also carry higher debt loads (nearly $30,000), so if CBU's actual outcomes mirror these estimates, it would represent a competitive option within the state. The school's 88% admission rate and accessible profile indicate it serves students who might not gain entry to more selective engineering programs, yet the projected earnings still hit professional-level benchmarks.
The main limitation here is uncertainty—without reported data from CBU graduates specifically, you're betting that this program performs similarly to its national peers. For a field as standardized as engineering, that's a reasonable assumption, but it means you should verify graduation rates, ABET accreditation status, and employer placement outcomes before committing. If those fundamentals are strong, the estimated financial picture suggests a worthwhile investment.
Where Christian Brothers University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Tennessee
Engineering 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $37,300 | $67,911* | — | $26,459* | — | |
| $10,208 | $63,746* | $70,281 | $29,750* | 0.47 | |
| National Median | — | $67,911* | — | $26,056* | 0.38 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Engineers, All Other
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
Mechatronics Engineers
Microsystems Engineers
Photonics Engineers
Robotics Engineers
Nanosystems Engineers
Wind Energy Engineers
Solar Energy Systems 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 national median of 47 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.