Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga

Similar programs in Tennessee suggest first-year earnings around $37,400, though four years out, UTC graduates in this liberal arts degree earn slightly less at $36,366. That backward trajectory—losing ground rather than gaining it—is unusual and worth understanding before committing. The estimated $28,400 in debt puts the debt-to-earnings ratio at 0.76, which is manageable compared to many programs, but only if those early earnings hold steady.

The statewide landscape shows considerable variation: Lee University and MTSU graduates in comparable liberal arts programs start near $45,000, while UTC's outcomes cluster closer to the state median. Given UTC's 77% admission rate and 32% Pell Grant population, this may reflect the institution's mission to serve a broader student base, but it also means families should be realistic about the financial returns. For students without family support, that $28,000 debt load against mid-$30,000 earnings could mean years of tight budgeting.

The practical question is whether this degree opens doors your child couldn't access otherwise. If they're headed toward graduate school or a specific career where the bachelor's is just a stepping stone, UTC's lower cost structure makes sense. But if they're expecting this degree alone to launch a career, the peer program data suggests they'll be starting with modest earnings that don't appear to grow quickly. Confirm what post-graduation support UTC provides and whether their child has a concrete plan that justifies this particular path.