Mathematics at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

UT Knoxville's mathematics program lags behind both state and national expectations by a significant margin. Math graduates here earn $39,043 in their first year—nearly $10,000 below the Tennessee median and roughly $12,000 below the national average. Among Tennessee's 34 math programs, this ranks in just the 25th percentile, meaning three-quarters of comparable in-state options deliver better outcomes. That's particularly striking given that University of Memphis graduates in the same field start at $57,310, while UT Knoxville carries a stronger brand name.

The debt picture offers some relief at $25,000, which sits below the 25th percentile nationally, meaning most programs saddle students with more. The earnings trajectory shows 16% growth to $45,382 by year four, suggesting graduates find their footing over time. However, starting nearly $10,000 behind state peers means playing catch-up for years, and there's no indication this gap closes completely.

For an in-state student choosing between Tennessee public universities, this program underperforms its flagship status. If your child is set on mathematics and UT Knoxville specifically, the debt load won't crush them—but they should understand they're accepting below-average starting earnings for this field in Tennessee. Consider whether University of Memphis or even Middle Tennessee State might offer better value, or whether UT Knoxville's overall campus experience justifies the earnings tradeoff.