Est. Earnings (1yr)
$68,919
Est. from national median (31 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,975
Est. from national median (7 programs)

Analysis

Christian Brothers University's engineering-related bachelor's program operates in a state where few schools offer similar credentials, making peer comparisons somewhat limited. Based on comparable programs nationally, graduates typically earn around $69,000 in their first year—roughly $5,000 above the Tennessee median for this field and aligned with national averages. The estimated debt load of $27,000 translates to a manageable 0.39 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly five months of their first-year salary.

The uncertainty here matters more than usual. With only three Tennessee schools offering this degree type and suppressed data at Christian Brothers specifically, we're relying heavily on national patterns rather than local outcomes. What we do know is that Middle Tennessee State—the state's top performer with reported data—posts first-year earnings of $67,400, suggesting the $69,000 estimate for CBU sits in reasonable territory. The modest debt estimate also tracks with the school's 31% Pell grant rate, indicating a student body with genuine financial need but relatively controlled borrowing.

For a field as broad as "engineering-related," the devil is in the specifics—whether this means engineering technology, surveying, or something else entirely shapes career prospects considerably. The financial fundamentals look workable on paper, but you'd want to understand exactly what specialization CBU offers and verify placement outcomes directly with the program before committing.

Where Christian Brothers University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all engineering-related fields bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Tennessee

Engineering-Related Fields bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Tennessee (3 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Christian Brothers UniversityMemphis$37,300$68,919*$26,975*
Middle Tennessee State UniversityMurfreesboro$9,506$67,431*$74,671$19,576*0.29
The University of Tennessee-ChattanoogaChattanooga$10,144$60,284*$61,709$25,500*0.42
National Median$68,919*$25,368*0.37
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with engineering-related fields 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

Industrial Production Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the work activities and resources necessary for manufacturing products in accordance with cost, quality, and quantity specifications.

$121,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Quality Control Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate quality assurance programs. Formulate quality control policies and control quality of laboratory and production efforts.

$121,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Geothermal Production Managers

Manage operations at geothermal power generation facilities. Maintain and monitor geothermal plant equipment for efficient and safe plant operations.

$121,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels Production Managers

Manage biofuels production and plant operations. Collect and process information on plant production and performance, diagnose problems, and design corrective procedures.

$121,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biomass Power Plant Managers

Manage operations at biomass power generation facilities. Direct work activities at plant, including supervision of operations and maintenance staff.

$121,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Hydroelectric Production Managers

Manage operations at hydroelectric power generation facilities. Maintain and monitor hydroelectric plant equipment for efficient and safe plant operations.

$121,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Facilities Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate operations and functionalities of facilities and buildings. May include surrounding grounds or multiple facilities of an organization's campus.

$106,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Security Managers

Direct an organization's security functions, including physical security and safety of employees and facilities.

$106,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Industrial Engineers

Design, develop, test, and evaluate integrated systems for managing industrial production processes, including human work factors, quality control, inventory control, logistics and material flow, cost analysis, and production coordination.

$101,140/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists

Design objects, facilities, and environments to optimize human well-being and overall system performance, applying theory, principles, and data regarding the relationship between humans and respective technology. Investigate and analyze characteristics of human behavior and performance as it relates to the use of technology.

$101,140/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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 31 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.