Business Administration, Management and Operations at King University

King University's business program sits right in the middle of Tennessee's offerings—above the state median but well behind the top performers. At $43,471 in first-year earnings, graduates here earn slightly more than the typical Tennessee business graduate ($42,938) but less than the national average. The 60th percentile state ranking tells a more nuanced story than the 39th percentile national ranking: this program performs decently for Tennessee, just not when stacked against business schools across the country.

The financial picture is straightforward. With $26,049 in median debt against first-year earnings of $43,471, graduates face a manageable debt burden (0.60 ratio). Earnings grow to $47,425 by year four, which represents solid but unspectacular progress. For families considering private school options in Tennessee, it's worth noting that Union University and Tennessee Wesleyan produce business graduates earning $10,000-$15,000 more annually—a gap that compounds significantly over a career.

This program makes sense for students who need the flexibility of a smaller institution and aren't aiming for high-finance careers. The debt is reasonable and the earnings support it. But families prioritizing maximum return on investment should look closely at UT-Knoxville's significantly higher outcomes, especially for in-state students paying lower tuition. King delivers a solid middle-tier option, not a standout one.