Compare 10 General Studies. programs in Tennessee. Average earnings: $40,614.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, General Studies tells a different story. Across 10 programs, earnings range from $23,264 to $59,218—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation.
Belmont University's General Studies program leads with graduates earning $59,218, well above the $40,614 average. Tennessee State University follows at $51,110, while Middle Tennessee State University reaches $45,804. The $36K earnings spread proves program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional prestige.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Belmont University graduates borrow $20,500 and face just a 7.7% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. For families considering parent loans, Middle Tennessee State offers the best total value with a 21.5% family burden.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Belmont UniversityPrivate | $59,218 | 31 | $20,500 | Excellent | $72,092 | High |
| #2 | $51,110 | 10 | $27,000 | Manageable | $18,771 | Challenging | |
| #3 | $45,804 | 219 | $20,000 | Good | $14,229 | Challenging | |
| #4 | University Of MemphisPublic | $41,474 | 112 | $23,300 | Manageable | $15,393 | High |
| #5 | $40,320 | 12 | $15,650 | Manageable | $11,640 | Challenging | |
| #6 | $37,163 | 124 | $19,442 | Challenging | $16,938 | High | |
| #7 | $36,831 | 113 | $20,547 | Challenging | $14,710 | High | |
| #8 | $36,366 | 18 | $19,500 | Challenging | $17,353 | High | |
| #9 | Lee UniversityPrivate | $34,588 | 56 | $25,750 | High | $24,000 | High |
| #10 | Cumberland UniversityPrivate | $23,264 | 21 | $17,952 | High | $11,116 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
