Business Administration, Management and Operations at Trevecca Nazarene University

Trevecca Nazarene's business program delivers above-average outcomes for Tennessee, though it falls well short of the state's top performers. At $47,547 in first-year earnings, graduates earn more than 60% of business programs in Tennessee and outpace the state median by over $4,500—a meaningful advantage for students staying in Nashville's competitive job market. The $24,798 debt load sits below both national and state averages, creating a manageable 0.52 debt-to-earnings ratio that most graduates should be able to handle comfortably.

The concern here is modest growth trajectory. Earnings climb just 4% over four years to $49,346, while UT-Knoxville business graduates start at $59,147 and Tennessee Wesleyan grads at nearly the same. That $10,000+ gap represents real spending power—roughly $700 monthly after taxes—that doesn't close over time. The robust sample size confirms this pattern is reliable, not a statistical fluke.

For families weighing cost versus outcomes, Trevecca offers solid value if your child needs a more accessible admission pathway (70% acceptance rate versus UT's selectivity) and the university's faith-based environment matters. You're paying less in tuition and graduating with less debt than many peers, earning slightly above state averages. But if your student can compete for admission at UT-Knoxville or similar programs, the substantially higher earning potential likely justifies the additional investment and selectivity.