Est. Earnings (1yr)
$67,911
Est. from national median (47 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,459
Est. from national median (24 programs)

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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Christian Brothers UniversityMemphis$37,300$67,911*$26,459*
The University of Tennessee-MartinMartin$10,208$63,746*$70,281$29,750*0.47
National Median$67,911*$26,056*0.38
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with 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

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.

Photonics Engineers

Design technologies specializing in light information or light energy, such as laser or fiber optics technology.

Robotics Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test robotic applications.

Nanosystems Engineers

Design, develop, or supervise the production of materials, devices, or systems of unique molecular or macromolecular composition, applying principles of nanoscale physics and electrical, chemical, or biological engineering.

Wind Energy Engineers

Design underground or overhead wind farm collector systems and prepare and develop site specifications.

Solar Energy Systems Engineers

Perform site-specific engineering analysis or evaluation of energy efficiency and solar projects involving residential, commercial, or industrial customers. Design solar domestic hot water and space heating systems for new and existing structures, applying knowledge of structural energy requirements, local climates, solar technology, and thermodynamics.

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.