Business Administration, Management and Operations at Lincoln Memorial University

Lincoln Memorial University's business program sits squarely in the middle for Tennessee, with similar programs across the state producing first-year earnings around $43,000. That's about $3,000 below the national median for business bachelor's degrees, though this gap partly reflects Tennessee's lower cost of living. The estimated debt load of $26,560 aligns closely with both state and national norms, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62—manageable if graduates find work quickly in their field.

The challenge becomes clear when looking at Tennessee's top performers. Programs at UT-Knoxville, Rhodes, and Union University are launching business graduates into careers earning $58,000-$59,000 in their first year—nearly 40% more than what peer programs to Lincoln Memorial suggest. Whether that gap reflects different career paths, geographic placement, or network strength matters considerably when you're repaying loans on a $43,000 salary.

For families weighing this investment, the numbers suggest solid fundamentals but not standout value. The debt level won't be crushing, but the earning potential—based on comparable Tennessee programs—appears modest enough that location after graduation and specific job placement will significantly impact whether this degree pays off efficiently. If your student has admission options among Tennessee's higher-earning business programs, those deserve serious consideration given the meaningful salary differences involved.