Business Administration, Management and Operations at South College

The earnings picture here tells a cautionary tale. Based on comparable Tennessee programs, first-year earnings around $43,000 would put this program right at the state median—but well below what top Tennessee business schools deliver. UT-Knoxville and several private colleges in the state report outcomes north of $58,000 for the same degree, suggesting South College graduates may be entering markedly different career paths or markets despite holding the same credential.

What makes this particularly challenging is the estimated debt load of $42,829, drawn from peer institutions of the same type. That's nearly double Tennessee's typical debt for business degrees ($25,750) and 65% higher than the national median. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.00, graduates would likely face a full year's salary in loans—a burden that grows more concerning when you consider half the student body qualifies for Pell grants, suggesting many families have limited resources to help with repayment.

The trajectory to $48,000 by year four offers modest growth, but it doesn't fundamentally change the financial equation. For families weighing this investment, the key question is whether South College offers specific advantages—location, flexibility, support services—that justify both the higher debt and the earnings gap compared to state alternatives. Without those clear differentiators, this program's estimated financial profile suggests you'd be paying premium prices for middle-of-the-road outcomes.