Analysis
Tennessee accounting programs typically place graduates in solid financial positions, and the estimates here suggest UT Southern follows that pattern. Based on comparable programs across the state, graduates can expect first-year earnings around $51,700 with debt near $21,800βa debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 that indicates manageable repayment. While these figures come from peer schools rather than UT Southern's specific outcomes, they align closely with what larger Tennessee programs like Middle Tennessee State and UT-Knoxville actually report for their accounting graduates.
The estimated debt level is notably lower than both the state median ($23,250) and national median ($25,000) for accounting bachelor's programs. This suggests UT Southern maintains competitive costs even as earnings track right at Tennessee's typical level. The profession itself has a strong track record nationally, with the 75th percentile reaching over $60,000, indicating clear advancement potential for capable graduates.
For parents evaluating this program, the numbers point toward reasonable value, though you're making this decision with limited visibility into UT Southern's specific track record. The fundamentals look soundβaccounting remains a steady career path, the estimated debt burden is modest, and the school's 83% admission rate suggests accessibility. Just understand you're projecting outcomes from similar programs rather than seeing proven results from this particular campus.
Where The University of Tennessee Southern Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Tennessee
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Tennessee (28 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,506 | $51,694* | β | $21,794* | β | |
| $8,568 | $53,620* | $50,033 | $29,250* | 0.55 | |
| $22,690 | $53,577* | $70,035 | $16,750* | 0.31 | |
| $13,484 | $53,197* | $71,799 | $22,000* | 0.41 | |
| $13,920 | $52,373* | $56,398 | $54,989* | 1.05 | |
| $9,506 | $51,963* | $59,969 | $24,553* | 0.47 | |
| National Median | β | $53,694* | β | $25,000* | 0.47 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Financial and Investment Analysts
Financial Risk Specialists
Financial Examiners
Budget Analysts
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Accountants and Auditors
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At The University of Tennessee Southern, approximately 33% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 10 similar programs in TN. Actual outcomes may vary.