Computer Engineering at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga

Tennessee's computer engineering programs typically start graduates around $69,000—about $10,000 below the national median for this field. At UTC specifically, limited graduate sample sizes mean we're working with statewide estimates rather than program-specific outcomes, but those benchmarks place first-year earnings roughly on par with Tennessee Tech and ahead of Memphis, though trailing UT-Knoxville by about $5,000.

The estimated debt load of $23,125 creates a manageable 0.33 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly one-third of their first year's salary. That's a reasonable financial position for an engineering degree, even if the starting salary doesn't match what graduates earn from computer engineering programs in higher-cost states or at more selective institutions. The 77% admission rate and moderate SAT scores suggest UTC serves a broader student population than flagship programs, which may partly explain the earnings gap.

The real question is whether UTC's program can compete with UT-Knoxville, just 90 minutes up I-75, where comparable programs produce graduates earning $5,000 more annually. That difference compounds over a career. For a student who can get into both, Knoxville appears to offer better value. But for students who need a more accessible entry point into engineering—and UTC's Pell grant percentage suggests it serves many of those students—the program delivers solid engineering credentials at a manageable debt level. Just understand you're likely trading some earning potential for accessibility.