Finance and Financial Management Services at Tennessee Technological University

Tennessee Tech's finance program delivers something rare: genuinely affordable debt paired with earnings that need honest scrutiny. At just $16,087 in median debt—dramatically below both the national median of $23,332 and Tennessee's $20,500—graduates walk away with minimal financial burden. That 0.39 debt-to-earnings ratio means students could theoretically pay off their loans in less than five months of gross salary.

The challenge is where those salaries land. Starting at $41,176, earnings trail the state median by about $4,000 and fall well short of what UT-Knoxville grads earn ($53,826). That 40th percentile ranking among Tennessee programs means this sits squarely in the middle of state options—not concerning, but not competitive with flagship alternatives. The trajectory improves: by year four, graduates reach $49,735, a solid 21% jump that closes some of the gap with peers. This isn't the finance program for students chasing investment banking salaries, but it won't bury them in debt either.

For families prioritizing financial safety over top-tier earning potential, this works. The low debt burden creates flexibility early in a graduate's career—they can take lower-paying opportunities to build experience without drowning in loan payments. Just understand you're trading lower immediate earnings for that security, especially compared to UT-Knoxville or even Middle Tennessee State, which both deliver stronger salary outcomes at graduation.