Human Resources Management and Services at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

UT-Knoxville's HR program delivers solid returns at a reasonable price, particularly for Tennessee residents comparing in-state options. Starting salaries of $50,000 land near the national median but notably above the state median of $44,000, placing this program in the 60th percentile among Tennessee's HR programs. The $22,000 median debt sits well below both state and national averages, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44—meaning graduates owe less than half their first-year salary.

The 22% earnings growth over four years to nearly $61,000 shows healthy career progression, which matters significantly in HR where relationship-building and organizational knowledge compound over time. These aren't spectacular numbers, but they're dependable ones at Tennessee's flagship public university. The moderate sample size suggests this isn't an enormous program, which can mean more personalized attention but also fewer on-campus recruiting opportunities compared to business-heavy schools.

For Tennessee families, this program offers a straightforward path: reasonable debt, earnings that outpace most state competitors, and the credential of a well-regarded public flagship. The value proposition is particularly strong if your student can maintain in-state tuition rates.