Mathematics at The University of Tennessee Southern

Based on comparable mathematics programs in Tennessee, this bachelor's degree appears positioned right at the state median for first-year earnings around $51,000—a figure that exceeds the national benchmark by roughly $2,500. The estimated debt of $21,400 creates a manageable 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe less than half their first-year salary. That's a workable starting point, though it's worth noting the wide variation among Tennessee schools: Vanderbilt math graduates earn twice as much in their first year, while UT-Knoxville's reported outcomes sit notably lower despite its flagship status.

The challenge with UT Southern is the uncertainty itself. With an 83% admission rate and modest test scores, this isn't a highly selective institution, and without actual graduate outcomes, you're making assumptions based on how other Tennessee math programs perform. The peer data suggests solid middle-of-the-road results—not the premium outcomes of Memphis or Vanderbilt, but potentially better than some larger state schools. For a student genuinely committed to mathematics and planning to stay in Tennessee, these estimates don't raise red flags.

The practical question is whether your student has alternatives with documented track records. If they're choosing between UT Southern and schools with reported data showing similar or better outcomes, go with the known quantity. If this is their best affordable path to a math degree, the peer program data provides reasonable reassurance—just recognize you're placing faith in estimates rather than this specific program's proven results.