Business Administration, Management and Operations at East Tennessee State University

East Tennessee State's business program ranks in the bottom 15% nationally for graduate earnings, yet paradoxically sits at the 40th percentile within Tennessee—a troubling signal about the state's overall business education landscape. Graduates earn just $37,041 in their first year, roughly $8,900 less than the state median and nearly $9,000 below the national benchmark. Compare this to UT-Knoxville business grads earning $59,147, and you're looking at a $22,000 annual earnings gap right out of the gate. The debt burden is relatively modest at $19,725, but even that represents over half a year's salary for new graduates.

The 24% earnings growth over four years does provide some reassurance that graduates aren't stuck at entry-level wages forever—reaching $46,055 by year four at least puts them within striking distance of typical business program outcomes. But starting so far behind means playing catch-up throughout your twenties, and there's no indication these grads ever close the gap with peers from stronger Tennessee programs.

For families considering this program, the low debt offers a safety net that programs charging twice as much don't provide. If your child has compelling reasons to stay in Johnson City and plans to work regionally rather than compete for corporate positions in major markets, the manageable debt makes this survivable. But if they can gain admission to UT-Knoxville or similar programs, the earnings premium would justify significantly higher debt loads.