Analysis
UTC's biology program punches above its weight within Tennessee, ranking in the 60th percentile statewide for earnings—ahead of well-regarded schools like Rhodes College and East Tennessee State. While the $29,643 starting salary trails the national median by about $2,700, it actually exceeds the typical Tennessee biology graduate's earnings. The $20,000 debt load is notably lighter than both state and national medians, creating a manageable 0.67 debt-to-earnings ratio that gives graduates room to breathe.
The trajectory here matters more than the starting point. Earnings jump 48% by year four to nearly $44,000, suggesting graduates successfully transition into better-paying roles—whether in healthcare, research, or graduate programs. This growth pattern is particularly valuable for biology majors, who often need time to complete certifications or advanced degrees before reaching full earning potential.
For Tennessee families, this represents solid value: below-average debt paired with above-state-average outcomes and strong upward momentum. The program won't match Middle Tennessee State's biology earnings, but the combination of lower debt and steady career progression makes it a practical choice for students planning graduate school or health professions where the bachelor's degree is just the foundation.
Where The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga | $29,643 | $43,959 | +48% |
| Lipscomb University | $20,387 | $52,176 | +156% |
| Middle Tennessee State University | $35,986 | $46,822 | +30% |
| Tennessee Technological University | $25,087 | $44,849 | +79% |
| The University of Tennessee-Knoxville | $27,487 | $44,486 | +62% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Tennessee
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Tennessee (37 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 The University of Tennessee-ChattanoogaChattanooga | $10,144 | $29,643 | $43,959 | $20,000 | 0.67 |
 Middle Tennessee State UniversityMurfreesboro | $9,506 | $35,986 | $46,822 | $21,500 | 0.60 |
 University of MemphisMemphis | $10,344 | $32,145 | $39,689 | $25,000 | 0.78 |
 Tennessee State UniversityNashville | $8,568 | $30,672 | $40,923 | $29,375 | 0.96 |
 Rhodes CollegeMemphis | $54,892 | $28,901 | — | $23,465 | 0.81 |
 East Tennessee State UniversityJohnson City | $9,950 | $28,138 | $37,032 | $20,625 | 0.73 |
| National Median | — | $32,316 | — | $25,000 | 0.77 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with biology graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Forensic Science Technicians
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Biological Technicians
Agricultural Technicians
Precision Agriculture Technicians
Food Science Technicians
Biological Scientists, All Other
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 The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, approximately 32% 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 111 graduates with reported earnings and 125 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.