Computer Science at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

UT Knoxville's computer science program combines manageable debt with strong mid-career outcomes—graduates start near the national median at $70,000 but see their earnings jump 29% to over $90,000 within four years. While the first-year salary sits at the 48th percentile nationally, this program ranks in the 60th percentile among Tennessee schools, outperforming the state median by nearly $11,000. More importantly, graduates carry just $16,750 in debt, roughly 28% below the national median for CS programs. That translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.24, meaning graduates owe less than three months of their starting salary.

The real story here is the trajectory: four years out, UT Knoxville grads are earning $90,000—well above what first-year numbers might suggest. This pattern indicates strong employer connections and career development, with graduates gaining traction quickly in the job market. For a public university with moderate selectivity (46% acceptance rate), these outcomes represent solid value, particularly for in-state students paying reduced tuition.

For Tennessee families, this is a straightforward win. Your child graduates with minimal debt, earns competitively from day one, and can expect meaningful salary growth as they gain experience. While Vanderbilt's CS grads earn considerably more, they're also likely carrying higher debt loads—UT Knoxville offers the financial stability and career momentum most parents want without the premium price tag.