Computer Programming at Southern Adventist University

Tennessee has just one school offering a bachelor's in computer programming, which makes Southern Adventist University unique in the state—but without reported outcomes, we're looking at what comparable programs nationally suggest about this path. Based on peer programs, graduates typically start around $50,000 with roughly $31,000 in debt, yielding a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62—a manageable figure that suggests the debt could be repaid within a reasonable timeframe for tech graduates.

The challenge here is that computer programming degrees vary dramatically in outcomes nationwide, with top programs producing first-year earnings above $72,000. Without knowing where Southern Adventist falls in that range, you're making a decision with limited visibility. The school's 67% admission rate and modest SAT scores suggest it's accessible rather than elite, which could mean outcomes track closer to the national median than the upper tier. For a field where employer perception and networking opportunities matter considerably, you'd want to investigate the program's industry connections in Chattanooga or nearby tech hubs.

Given the moderate debt estimate and decent baseline earnings potential in tech, this isn't an obviously poor investment—but it's one you'd want to validate through direct contact with the program about graduate placement, internship partnerships, and where alumni actually land jobs.