Family and Consumer Economics at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

UT Knoxville's Family and Consumer Economics program appears stronger than most Tennessee alternatives, ranking in the 80th percentile for earnings within the state. Starting at $43,014, graduates earn roughly $10,000 more than the state median and about $3,000 above the national average. More importantly, they carry less than half the debt of typical graduates in this field—$17,844 versus $24,000+ at other Tennessee schools. That 0.41 debt-to-earnings ratio translates to manageable monthly payments relative to take-home pay.

The earnings trajectory shows steady, if modest, growth to $47,117 by year four. While these aren't eye-popping salaries, they're respectable for a field that often leads to careers in financial counseling, education, or nonprofit work. The program performs better than similar offerings at Tennessee State and Middle Tennessee State, both of which produce lower starting salaries.

The significant caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual circumstances could swing these numbers considerably. That said, the combination of below-average debt and above-average earnings—especially compared to in-state alternatives—suggests reasonable value for Tennessee residents. If your child is genuinely interested in consumer sciences rather than chasing maximum earnings, this program offers a practical path without the debt burden that typically comes with it.