Median Earnings (1yr)
$58,828
5th percentile (40th in TN)
Est. Median Debt
$24,077
Est. from TN median (4 programs)
Sample Size
18
Limited data

Earnings Distribution

How Tennessee State University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Tennessee State University graduates earn $59k, placing them in the 5th percentile of all mechanical engineering bachelors programs nationally.

Compare to Similar Programs in Tennessee

Mechanical Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Tennessee (11 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Tennessee State University$58,828$24,077*
Vanderbilt University$78,009$84,813$14,000*0.18
Christian Brothers University$71,112$27,000*0.38
University of Memphis$69,386$80,981$27,500*0.40
Lipscomb University$67,725$27,000*0.40
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga$66,517$81,689$24,904*0.37
National Median$70,744$24,755*0.35
* Estimated from similar programs

Other Mechanical Engineering Programs in Tennessee

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Tennessee schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Vanderbilt University
Nashville
$63,946$78,009$14,000
Christian Brothers University
Memphis
$37,300$71,112$27,000
University of Memphis
Memphis
$10,344$69,386$27,500
Lipscomb University
Nashville
$38,824$67,725$27,000
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
Chattanooga
$10,144$66,517$24,904

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 Tennessee State University, approximately 52% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 18 graduates with reported earnings and 15 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.