Business/Managerial Economics at Middle Tennessee State University

Similar business economics programs in Tennessee suggest first-year earnings around $43,400—nearly $10,000 below what graduates typically make from this major nationally. That gap matters when you're deciding between schools, especially since comparable programs at UT-Knoxville start at roughly the same salary despite Tennessee's business economics majors generally underperforming the national benchmark.

The estimated $21,125 debt load is actually lower than what most business economics students carry nationally ($22,250), putting the debt-to-earnings ratio at a reasonable 0.49. Based on peer programs, you'd be looking at roughly six months of gross pay to cover the debt—manageable for a business degree that should see steady income growth over time. The real question is whether staying in-state makes sense when Tennessee programs as a group lag behind national norms by about 18%.

Middle Tennessee State's accessibility (68% admission rate, 31% Pell recipients) means your child can pursue this degree without the competition at flagship universities, but the earnings estimates suggest they'll likely start their career at the lower end of what business economists make. If career flexibility and graduate school are on the table, this could work as an affordable foundation. If immediate earning power matters most, look hard at why Tennessee graduates generally earn less in this field.