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
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,506 | $55,819* | — | $22,394* | — | |
| $11,205 | $78,796* | $96,327 | $20,500* | 0.26 | |
| $50,110 | $70,752* | $85,642 | $24,125* | 0.34 | |
| $51,340 | $66,523* | $78,262 | $23,016* | 0.35 | |
| $22,082 | $66,080* | $78,623 | $26,000* | 0.39 | |
| $11,180 | $64,131* | $76,315 | $22,394* | 0.35 | |
| National Median | — | $55,819* | — | $22,728* | 0.41 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with insurance graduates
Compensation and Benefits Managers
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Insurance Underwriters
Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists
Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators
Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage
Insurance Sales Agents
Appraisers of Personal and Business Property
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.