Est. Earnings (1yr)Estimated
$55,819
Est. from national median (20 programs)
Est. Median DebtEstimated
$22,394
Est. from national median (13 programs)

Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.

Analysis

A first-year salary of $55,819 against estimated debt of $22,394 creates a manageable 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio—well below the concerning 1.0 threshold where repayment becomes burdensome. These figures come from national medians for insurance bachelor's programs, since MTSU's small graduate cohort means the Department of Education suppresses actual outcomes. While that means we can't assess how this specific program performs against its peers, the broader insurance field shows consistent career pathways with steady entry-level compensation that covers typical student loans.

The real limitation here isn't the debt burden but the information gap. With only 65 schools nationally offering undergraduate insurance programs and MTSU being Tennessee's sole option, you're evaluating a relatively niche degree path without program-specific outcomes data. Comparable programs nationally suggest insurance graduates enter stable careers in underwriting, risk management, or claims analysis, but whether MTSU's connections to Nashville's insurance sector or Tennessee's business community give graduates an edge remains unclear from these estimates.

For parents weighing this investment, the estimated debt load appears reasonable for a business-adjacent degree that typically leads to white-collar employment. However, since these are peer-program projections rather than MTSU's actual track record, consider whether your student has genuine interest in insurance careers specifically—this isn't a general business degree with broad applicability. If insurance is the target, the numbers suggest a workable financial equation, but you're accepting more uncertainty than you would with programs where actual graduate outcomes are available.

Where Middle Tennessee State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all insurance bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Insurance bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Middle Tennessee State UniversityMurfreesboro$9,506$55,819*$22,394*
University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadison$11,205$78,796*$96,327$20,500*0.26
St. John's University-New YorkQueens$50,110$70,752*$85,642$24,125*0.34
Saint Joseph's University - PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia$51,340$66,523*$78,262$23,016*0.35
Temple UniversityPhiladelphia$22,082$66,080*$78,623$26,000*0.39
University of GeorgiaAthens$11,180$64,131*$76,315$22,394*0.35
National Median$55,819*$22,728*0.41
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with insurance graduates

Compensation and Benefits Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.

$140,360/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Insurance Underwriters

Review individual applications for insurance to evaluate degree of risk involved and determine acceptance of applications.

$79,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists

Conduct programs of compensation and benefits and job analysis for employer. May specialize in specific areas, such as position classification and pension programs.

$77,020/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators

Review settled claims to determine that payments and settlements are made in accordance with company practices and procedures. Confer with legal counsel on claims requiring litigation. May also settle insurance claims.

$76,790/yrJobs growth:

Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage

Appraise automobile or other vehicle damage to determine repair costs for insurance claim settlement. Prepare insurance forms to indicate repair cost or cost estimates and recommendations. May seek agreement with automotive repair shop on repair costs.

$76,790/yrJobs growth:

Insurance Sales Agents

Sell life, property, casualty, health, automotive, or other types of insurance. May refer clients to independent brokers, work as an independent broker, or be employed by an insurance company.

$60,370/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Appraisers of Personal and Business Property

Appraise and estimate the fair value of tangible personal or business property, such as jewelry, art, antiques, collectibles, and equipment. May also appraise land.

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 Middle Tennessee State 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 20 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.