Business Administration, Management and Operations at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga

UT-Chattanooga's business program offers solid value with below-average debt and steady earnings growth, though it won't put your child at the top of Tennessee's business graduate earnings ladder. At $23,000 in debt versus the state median of $25,750, students here graduate with less financial burden than peers across Tennessee, while still earning more than the typical Tennessee business graduate ($52,535 vs. $42,938 after four years).

The earnings trajectory shows healthy 16% growth from year one to year four, suggesting graduates build valuable experience and advance in their careers. While the program ranks in the 60th percentile among Tennessee business programs, it trails significantly behind elite in-state options like UT-Knoxville ($59,147) and Rhodes College ($58,550). However, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51 means your child would owe roughly half their first-year salary—a manageable burden that won't derail their financial future.

For families prioritizing affordability and steady career prospects over prestige, UT-Chattanooga delivers a practical business education. The combination of reasonable debt, consistent earnings growth, and a robust sample size of graduates makes this a dependable choice, even if it won't dramatically outpace national averages. Your child would graduate with marketable skills and financial breathing room to build their career.