Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Tennessee State University vary significantly by field of study, with technical and healthcare programs generally delivering stronger earnings than education and social service fields. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than reputation or enrollment popularity.
Analyzing 27 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights showcase programs that demonstrate strong performance across earnings, national rankings, and student enrollment.
$32K median earnings
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 Tennessee State University.
Engineering and technology programs at Tennessee State University demonstrate strong earnings potential with graduates entering growing technical fields. Computer Science leads with $57,048 median earnings and ranks #176 nationally, while Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology graduates earn $47,260.
These programs stand out for students seeking technical careers with strong job market demand, though program sizes remain moderate with cohorts ranging from 21 to 47 graduates annually.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering.Small sample | #224 | $64,990 |
Program rankings reflect post-graduation outcomes including median earnings, debt levels, and value scores calculated from College Scorecard data. Rankings compare programs against national peers in the same field, with Tennessee State programs consistently performing within or above the median of their respective categories. Earnings represent federal data tracking graduates 10 years after initial enrollment, providing reliable long-term career outcome measures. Value scores combine earnings, debt, and completion rates to assess overall program effectiveness. Cohort sizes indicate the number of graduates included in federal tracking, with larger cohorts providing higher confidence in reported outcomes. Differences in program outcomes reflect labor market demand, regional economic factors, and career pathway requirements rather than institutional quality variations. Students should consider these outcomes alongside personal interests, career goals, and additional education requirements when selecting programs of study.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| — |
| 19 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering.Small sample | — | $61,020 | — | 8 |
| Civil Engineering, General.Small sample | #176 | $58,221 | — | 14 |
| Computer Science. | #184 | $57,048 | — | 47 |
| Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician. | #33 | $47,260 | — | 21 |
Business programs represent Tennessee State's largest academic area with strong enrollment and solid career outcomes. Business Administration graduates 121 students annually with $53,542 median earnings, ranking #218 nationally.
Accounting Technology produces 23 graduates earning $50,033. These programs offer established career pathways in management, finance, and professional services, making them well-suited for students seeking stable employment prospects with moderate earnings potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #217 | $53,542★ | $25,910 | 121 |
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | #265 | $50,033 | — | 23 |
| Business/Managerial Economics. | #63 | $31,133 | — | 21 |
Health professions at Tennessee State University span clinical research, allied health, and general health services with varied outcomes. Clinical Research Coordinator ranks #45 nationally with 30 graduates earning $50,307, while Allied Health Diagnostic programs rank #53 nationally with $52,705 earnings.
These specialized programs serve students seeking healthcare careers with strong job security, though some general health programs show lower earnings reflecting diverse career pathways.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing.Small sample | — | $69,502★ | — | 9 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions, Other. | #62 | $52,705 | — | 23 |
| Clinical Research Coordinator. | #50 | $50,307 | — | 30 |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other. | #19 | $37,131 | $25,998 | 49 |
Biology represents Tennessee State's primary science offering, graduating 35 students annually with $40,923 median earnings and ranking #323 nationally. The program serves students preparing for healthcare careers, graduate study, or research positions.
Given the moderate earnings and competitive field, this path works best for students committed to scientific careers and planning for additional education or specialized training.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology, General. | #327 | $40,923 | — | 35 |
Social sciences programs include Psychology and Political Science with varied outcomes. Psychology graduates 59 students with $38,799 earnings, while American Government and Politics produces 23 graduates earning $42,503.
These programs prepare students for careers in counseling, social services, and public administration. Best suited for students planning graduate study or careers prioritizing social impact over maximum earnings potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #254 | $42,503★ | — | 23 |
| Psychology, General. | #323 | $38,799 | $36,000 | 59 |
| Forensic Social Work. | #198 | $36,112 | — | 21 |
| Applied/Public Sociology.Small sample | #249 | $34,884 | — | 19 |
Communication and Media Studies graduates 62 students annually with $35,498 median earnings, ranking #233 nationally. The program serves students interested in media, communications, and related creative fields.
Earnings reflect the competitive nature of communications industries and the need for additional skills development, making this path best suited for students with strong communication abilities and career flexibility expectations.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #244 | $35,498 | $20,997 | 62 |
General Studies. leads humanities & arts with 51K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies.Small sample | #92 | $51,110★ | — | 10 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation.Small sample | — | $38,360 | — | 9 |
| English Language and Literature, General.Small sample | #289 | $33,993 | — | 11 |
| Brass Instruments.Small sample | #144 | $29,685 | — | 10 |
Education programs at Tennessee State focus on adult and continuing education, graduating 53 students annually with $38,970 median earnings. These programs rank #164 nationally and prepare graduates for teaching, training, and educational support roles.
Best suited for students committed to education careers and public service, with earnings reflecting the service-oriented mission of the field rather than purely economic considerations.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | #172 | $38,970 | — | 53 |
Agriculture, General. leads agriculture & environment with 37K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture, General. | #29 | $37,338 | — | 21 |
Corrections Administration stands out as one of Tennessee State's strongest programs, ranking #118 nationally with 70 graduates earning $43,592 annually. The program benefits from strong regional demand for criminal justice professionals and established career pathways in corrections, law enforcement, and public safety.
Well-suited for students seeking stable public service careers with clear advancement opportunities and job security.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Administration. | #120 | $43,592 | $15,000 | 70 |
Interdisciplinary programs include Consumer Economics and Exercise Science with varied career outcomes. Consumer Economics graduates 39 students with $31,584 earnings, while Exercise Science produces 50 graduates earning $36,722.
These programs serve students with specialized interests in consumer affairs, fitness, and wellness. Best suited for students planning additional certification or graduate study to maximize career potential in these emerging fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | #185 | $36,722★ | $21,039 | 50 |
| Consumer Economics. | #15 | $31,584 | $17,957 | 39 |
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.
