Health Professions at Tennessee State University

Tennessee State University's health professions program lands graduates in a surprisingly tight spot: they earn $33,862 in their first year—below the national median but actually above Tennessee's state median of $30,529. That 60th percentile ranking among Tennessee programs sounds reassuring until you realize there are only four schools offering this degree statewide, and even the highest earner (East Tennessee State) only hits $27,196. The real concern isn't the state comparison—it's that graduates here earn roughly $5,000 less annually than the national median while carrying debt loads that exceed what most health professions graduates face elsewhere.

The debt picture reveals the deeper problem. At $29,384, borrowers owe more than 85% of their first year's earnings, and while the debt ranks favorably in the 5th percentile nationally (meaning it's lower than most), that's cold comfort when earnings barely budge over four years. Growing from $33,862 to $37,131 represents just a 10% increase—modest gains that make the debt burden feel heavier with each passing year.

For parents weighing this option: the program serves Tennessee State's mission-driven student body (52% receive Pell grants), but the return doesn't justify the investment unless your family has strong geographic ties to Tennessee or specific career goals that align with these earnings. The gap between what graduates earn here versus the national median widens to nearly $10,000 by year four. That's real money that compounds over a career.