Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at East Tennessee State University vary significantly by field of study, with healthcare programs leading earnings potential while liberal arts and social sciences programs offer more modest returns. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than prestige or reputation.
Analyzing 34 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out across earnings, national ranking, and enrollment size at ETSU.
#96 nationally
$31K median earnings
Earnings outcomes span from technology and healthcare fields producing $60,000+ annually to education and social service programs generating $35,000-$40,000 median incomes. The program tables below show specific earnings by category, allowing comparison of financial outcomes across different career pathways and helping students align educational investments with earning expectations and career goals.
ETSU's nationally ranked programs demonstrate competitive performance across diverse fields, with several achieving top rankings within Tennessee and strong national positioning. Use the program tables below to identify rankings by category and compare outcomes across similar fields. Rankings reflect labor market performance and graduate earnings rather than academic reputation, providing practical information for career planning and program selection decisions.
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs in each category by earnings, rank, debt, and cohort size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at East Tennessee State University.
Technology programs demonstrate exceptional earning potential with Artificial Intelligence leading at $80,549 median earnings and ranking #1 in Tennessee. Applied Engineering Technologies produces $60,228 earnings with strong national ranking at #20.
These programs stand out because they address high-demand technical skills in emerging markets. However, enrollment remains modest with 74 AI graduates, suggesting competitive admission within these tracks.
Engineering programs are best suited for students with strong quantitative skills seeking maximum earning potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence. | #96 |
Programs at the same institution show different outcomes because career fields vary in earning potential, regional demand, and skill requirements. Rankings reflect labor-market results based on federal College Scorecard data, not institutional prestige or academic reputation. Cohort sizes indicate program enrollment scale and data confidence - programs with fewer than 10 graduates are excluded from federal reporting. Value scores combine earnings, debt, and completion rates to identify programs offering strong return on educational investment. These outcomes reflect graduates' early-career performance and may not capture long-term earnings growth or career satisfaction in fields emphasizing public service or creative fulfillment.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
Value scores identify programs offering strong return on educational investment by combining earnings potential with debt levels and completion rates. The program tables highlight value scores alongside earnings and debt information, helping students identify programs that balance financial outcomes with educational quality and career preparation effectiveness.
Loan affordability varies significantly by program category, with health professions offering excellent repayment prospects while psychology and communications programs present challenging debt-to-income ratios. Health programs support payments under 8% of discretionary income, while some social science programs may require income-based repayment or extended payment plans.
| — |
| 74 |
| Applied Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | #20 | $60,228 | — | 54 |
Business programs offer solid middle-income outcomes with Business Administration producing $46,055 earnings from substantial enrollment of 172 graduates annually. Banking and Financial Support Services delivers higher earnings at $54,144, while Accounting Technology provides $52,524 returns.
Digital Marketing shows more modest outcomes at $37,181 despite growing enrollment. These programs are best suited for students seeking versatile career preparation with reasonable earnings expectations and broad applicability across industries.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banking and Financial Support Services. | #164 | $54,144★ | — | 61 |
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | #220 | $52,524 | — | 67 |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #230 | $46,055 | $14,098 | 172 |
| Digital Marketing. | #219 | $37,181 | $17,868 | 94 |
Health programs at ETSU deliver the strongest earnings outcomes with Adult Health Nursing producing $62,240 median earnings and ranking #152 nationally. Allied Health Diagnostic programs rank #41 nationally with earnings of $48,671 and exceptional value scores.
These programs stand out because they combine substantial enrollment (464 nursing graduates annually) with clear career pathways and strong regional demand. Health programs are best suited for students prioritizing stable career prospects and above-average earnings potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #159 | $62,240★ | $17,297 | 464 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions, Other. | #52 | $48,671 | — | 78 |
| Dental Assisting/Assistant. | #26 | $47,832 | — | 34 |
| Behavioral Aspects of Health. | #56 | $46,950 | — | 34 |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other. | #16 | $46,436 | — | 59 |
Biology programs demonstrate moderate earning potential at $37,032 for 81 graduates, ranking #328 nationally but #7 in Tennessee. Science programs at ETSU reflect regional academic strengths while preparing students for graduate study or healthcare professional programs.
These programs are best suited for students planning advanced degrees in medicine, research, or related fields where bachelor's earnings represent an intermediate step.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algebra and Number Theory.Small sample | #155 | $50,260★ | — | 19 |
| Analytical Chemistry. | #97 | $49,751 | — | 27 |
| Biology, General. | #335 | $37,032 | — | 81 |
Social science programs show varied outcomes with Psychology producing $34,058 for 154 graduates (#301 nationally) and Human Services generating $36,206 (#15 nationally). Forensic Social Work provides higher returns at $38,105, ranking #157 nationally.
These programs demonstrate ETSU's commitment to serving students interested in human services careers despite modest financial returns. Social science programs are best suited for students prioritizing meaningful work and community impact over maximum earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #281 | $38,197★ | — | 35 |
| Forensic Social Work. | #162 | $38,105 | — | 64 |
| Human Services, General. | #18 | $36,206 | — | 67 |
| Psychology, General. | #310 | $34,058 | $11,000 | 154 |
| Applied/Public Sociology.Small sample | #266 | $32,114 | — | 14 |
| Anthropology, General.Small sample | — | $21,508 | — | 9 |
Communication and Media Studies generates $33,614 earnings for 82 graduates, ranking #234 nationally but #8 in Tennessee. Communications programs reflect moderate earning potential typical of media and content creation fields.
These programs are best suited for students passionate about storytelling, media production, and communication careers where creative fulfillment may complement financial considerations.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #246 | $33,614★ | $15,421 | 82 |
| Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects. | #14 | $31,218 | — | 44 |
General Studies produces $37,163 earnings for 124 graduates, ranking #141 nationally and representing flexible academic preparation for diverse career paths. Liberal arts programs at ETSU emphasize broad intellectual development and adaptable skills for various professional contexts.
These programs are best suited for students seeking educational exploration, career flexibility, and foundational preparation for graduate study or professional development.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies. | #152 | $37,163★ | $18,102 | 124 |
| American History (United States). | #267 | $36,929 | — | 36 |
| Creative Writing.Small sample | #47 | $35,882 | — | 18 |
| Commercial Photography. | #114 | $32,925 | — | 36 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #271 | $31,624 | — | 54 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation.Small sample | #219 | $29,485 | — | 17 |
| Brass Instruments. | #171 | $20,191 | — | 27 |
Education programs provide modest earnings with Adult and Continuing Education producing $38,428 median income for 66 graduates annually. These programs rank #191 nationally, reflecting the broader pattern of education careers offering social impact over maximum financial returns.
Education programs are best suited for students prioritizing community service, career stability, and the intrinsic rewards of teaching over higher earnings potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education/Teaching of Individuals Who are Developmentally Delayed.Small sample | #94 | $39,564★ | — | 10 |
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | #204 | $38,428 | — | 66 |
Corrections Administration. leads criminal justice with 38K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Administration. | #181 | $37,977 | $17,336 | 77 |
Exercise Science and Kinesiology produces $37,275 earnings for 152 graduates, ranking #163 nationally in this growing field. Criminal Justice (Corrections Administration) generates $37,977 for 77 graduates.
These interdisciplinary programs demonstrate ETSU's responsiveness to emerging career fields and regional workforce needs. Students in these programs should prioritize career growth potential and field-specific opportunities over initial earnings levels.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | #164 | $37,275★ | $24,549 | 152 |
| Adult Development and Aging. | #79 | $34,836 | — | 42 |
Resources, cohort size, and graduation rates
Trajectory from early to mid-career
Why rankings may differ by program: A university's nursing program and business program can have entirely different outcome profiles. Our methodology surfaces these differences so you can evaluate programs — not just institutions.
