Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at Union University

The estimated $26,000 debt load for Union's engineering program sits slightly above the state median but appears manageable against Tennessee engineering earnings. Based on comparable programs in the state, graduates can expect to earn around $74,000 in their first year—enough to tackle that debt with the ratio at 0.35, which signals reasonable affordability. What's worth noting here is that Union's smaller program produces estimates closely aligned with Tennessee's flagship schools like UT-Knoxville and UT-Chattanooga, suggesting this private institution competes on outcomes despite its higher cost structure.

The main uncertainty is whether Union's actual graduates match the broader Tennessee pattern. With only 11 engineering programs in the state and Union's admission selectivity (47% acceptance rate, 1243 SAT average), there's potential for variation in either direction. The school's lower Pell percentage (25%) suggests students may carry less debt than the national estimate indicates, though that's speculation without reported data.

For families willing to invest in Union's private university experience, the estimated numbers suggest engineering remains a solid practical choice. The field's consistent earnings across Tennessee institutions should provide some confidence, but recognize you're making this decision without knowing Union's specific track record. If the smaller Christian college environment matters to your family, the financial picture appears workable—just understand you're trusting peer-program performance rather than verified outcomes from this particular school.