Business Administration, Management and Operations at Tennessee Technological University

Tennessee Tech's business program starts graduates well below both state and national averages at $38,994, landing in just the 21st percentile nationally and 40th percentile within Tennessee. That's roughly $7,000 less than the typical Tennessee business graduate earns initially. However, the 33% earnings growth to $51,710 by year four tells a different story—these graduates close much of that gap, eventually reaching territory comparable to stronger programs like Bryan College.

The real advantage here is the debt picture. At $18,485, Tennessee Tech loads students with about 30% less debt than the typical Tennessee business program, creating a notably manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47. This means graduates could realistically pay off their loans within a year of full-time work, even starting from that lower initial salary. Compare that to programs like UT-Knoxville, which earn more out of the gate but likely carry heavier debt loads given typical flagship university costs.

For families prioritizing affordability, this works. Your child won't land the immediate high salary that top Tennessee programs deliver, but they'll graduate with minimal debt and solid earning potential by their mid-twenties. The tradeoff is clear: accept a slower financial start in exchange for significantly less financial burden. Just recognize that Tennessee Tech places firmly in the middle of the state's business programs—adequate value, but not exceptional.