Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at The University of Tennessee Southern

In Tennessee's competitive landscape for liberal arts degrees, UT Southern's estimated outcomes fall squarely in the middle—comparable programs across the state suggest first-year earnings around $37,437 against debt of roughly $28,426. That 0.76 debt-to-earnings ratio puts graduates in manageable territory, especially when stacked against the state median debt of $29,000. However, the gap between this estimate and what the top Tennessee programs report is substantial: Lee University and MTSU graduates start around $45,000, suggesting the institution or its location may materially affect early career outcomes.

The practical reality is straightforward: borrowing $28,000 for earnings in the high 30s means monthly loan payments around $320 on a standard plan—doable but tight on a $3,100 monthly income. Similar programs in Tennessee produce outcomes that cluster near national benchmarks, so there's nothing alarming here, but nothing exceptional either. The broader concern with general liberal arts degrees is that their value often depends heavily on what students do with them—graduate school, specific career pivoting, or networking opportunities that vary tremendously by institution.

For families considering UT Southern, the key question becomes whether this program offers advantages beyond the estimated numbers—faculty mentorship, local connections, or affordability for in-state students. Without clearer data on this specific cohort, you're betting on a middle-of-the-pack outcome in a field where institutional reputation and individual hustle often matter more than the degree itself.