Economics at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

UT Knoxville's economics program starts graduates well below where you'd expect, but the trajectory tells a more optimistic story. First-year earnings of $46,302 trail both the national median ($51,722) and Tennessee's median ($58,173) by substantial margins—this program ranks in just the 25th percentile among Tennessee economics programs. However, by year four, earnings jump 41% to reach $65,281, actually surpassing the national benchmark and closing much of the gap with state peers.

The debt picture looks reasonable at $21,650, creating a manageable 0.47 ratio to first-year earnings. What's puzzling is the initial earnings gap: comparable programs at Rhodes College and The University of the South start graduates around $58,000, suggesting UT Knoxville students may be entering different industries or job markets initially. The strong growth curve indicates these graduates catch up quickly, possibly as they move into more traditional economics career paths or complete graduate degrees.

For parents, this means budgeting for a slower financial start—your child likely won't match their peers' early salaries—but the four-year data suggests the degree holds its value over time. If your student needs immediate earning power after graduation to service debt or support themselves, programs with stronger first-year outcomes might warrant consideration. But if they have runway to build their career, the eventual earnings justify the investment.