Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at The University of Tennessee Health Science Center

UT Health Science Center's nursing graduates earn slightly above Tennessee's state median right out of the gate, placing them in the 60th percentile statewide—a respectable position among 32 Tennessee programs. However, the $70,619 starting salary falls about $4,000 below the national median for nursing bachelor's programs. More concerning is the earnings trajectory: instead of the typical upward climb nurses experience as they gain experience and certifications, graduates here see essentially flat earnings over their first four years, even dipping slightly to $70,002.

The debt burden of $29,537 is manageable with a 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe roughly five months of their first-year salary. That's reasonable for nursing, where steady employment is virtually guaranteed. The program benefits from being at a health science-focused institution, which typically offers strong clinical connections in Memphis's medical ecosystem. Still, when programs like Baptist Health Sciences University and University of Memphis place graduates earning $3,000-$4,000 more annually, it's worth comparing total cost of attendance.

For Tennessee families looking at in-state nursing options, this is a solid mid-tier choice—you'll graduate employable with reasonable debt, but you're not getting top-of-market outcomes. If your child can access similar programs at comparable costs elsewhere in Tennessee, compare carefully. The lack of earnings growth suggests graduates may need to be more proactive about pursuing certifications or specialty areas to boost their career trajectory.