Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences at The University of Tennessee-Martin

UT-Martin's Family and Consumer Sciences program sits in an interesting middle ground: it underperforms nationally but actually does slightly better than Tennessee's in-state median for this field. With first-year earnings of $29,288 and $27,000 in typical debt, graduates face a manageable but tight debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.92—basically borrowing what they'll earn in their first year. The 18% earnings bump by year four offers some relief, though that $34,422 mid-career figure still trails behind what top performers in this field earn nationally.

The state context matters here. Among Tennessee's seven programs in this field, UT-Martin ranks in the 60th percentile, meaning it's actually outperforming the typical in-state option (Tennessee Tech, for instance, shows nearly identical outcomes). For families prioritizing in-state tuition and debt control, this program delivers reasonably on both fronts—the debt level is only slightly above state norms and well within reach of early-career salaries.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift considerably year to year, so don't treat them as gospel. But the takeaway is straightforward: this is a workable option for Tennessee residents committed to this field, though families should enter knowing the income ceiling is relatively low and the degree won't command premium salaries even at established programs elsewhere. If your student can graduate with minimal additional borrowing beyond the median, the math works.