Biology at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
Bachelor's Degree
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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga graduates compare to all programs nationally
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga graduates earn $30k, placing them in the 34th percentile of all biology bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Tennessee
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Tennessee (37 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga | $29,643 | $43,959 | $20,000 | 0.67 |
| Middle Tennessee State University | $35,986 | $46,822 | $21,500 | 0.60 |
| University of Memphis | $32,145 | $39,689 | $25,000 | 0.78 |
| Tennessee State University | $30,672 | $40,923 | $29,375 | 0.96 |
| Rhodes College | $28,901 | — | $23,465 | 0.81 |
| East Tennessee State University | $28,138 | $37,032 | $20,625 | 0.73 |
| National Median | $32,316 | — | $25,000 | 0.77 |
Other Biology Programs in Tennessee
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Tennessee schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro | $9,506 | $35,986 | $21,500 |
| University of Memphis Memphis | $10,344 | $32,145 | $25,000 |
| Tennessee State University Nashville | $8,568 | $30,672 | $29,375 |
| Rhodes College Memphis | $54,892 | $28,901 | $23,465 |
| East Tennessee State University Johnson City | $9,950 | $28,138 | $20,625 |
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.