Tennessee Technological University's published cost of attendance reaches $25,338 annually, including $20,116 in out-of-state tuition, $10,502 for room and board, and $1,280 for books and supplies. In-state students pay $10,084 in tuition, creating significant savings for Tennessee residents.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $25,338 |
| Tuition and Fees | $20,116 |
| Room and Board | $10,502 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,280 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$11,131 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $14,207 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $9,641 |
| $30–48k | $11,325 |
| $48–75k | $14,405 |
| $75–110k | $17,795 |
| $110k+ | $18,329 |
Tennessee Technological University's published cost of attendance reaches $25,338 annually, including $20,116 in out-of-state tuition, $10,502 for room and board, and $1,280 for books and supplies. In-state students pay $10,084 in tuition, creating significant savings for Tennessee residents. However, the average student pays just $14,207 after financial aid, representing $11,131 in average aid savings from the sticker price.
This net price sits slightly above the peer median of $14,093, indicating competitive but not exceptional affordability within Tennessee Tech's comparison group. The university demonstrates commitment to need-based aid through progressive pricing across income levels, with net costs ranging from $9,641 for families earning under $30,000 to $18,329 for those earning over $110,000. Tennessee residents benefit from substantial tuition advantages, while the financial aid system provides meaningful support for students across economic backgrounds through federal grants, state aid, and institutional scholarships that reduce actual costs significantly below published prices.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Tennessee Tech students graduate with median debt of $15,650, significantly below the peer median of $21,105, creating a $5,455 advantage over similar institutions. Debt levels span from $5,500 at the 25th percentile to $20,280 at the 75th percentile, indicating controlled borrowing across student populations.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32 falls within manageable ranges, meaning typical graduates dedicate roughly one-third of their first-year earnings to debt service under standard repayment terms. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $10,405 with monthly payments of $137, representing additional family investment in education.
Tennessee Tech's debt performance ranks at the 84th percentile nationally, indicating excellent debt management relative to institutional outcomes. The combination of below-peer debt levels with solid earnings outcomes creates favorable conditions for post-graduation financial stability and reduces barriers to career flexibility, graduate school, or major life decisions that high debt levels might constrain.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Tennessee Tech delivers solid return on educational investment through the combination of controlled costs and above-expectations earnings performance. Graduates earn $1,864 beyond expectations relative to similar students, placing the institution at the 63.2nd percentile for value creation.
Median earnings of $48,501 compare reasonably to peer median earnings of $50,116, while debt levels remain $5,455 below peer medians. The favorable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32 indicates sustainable borrowing levels that support career flexibility and financial stability.
Tennessee Tech's affordability index ranking at the 87.3rd percentile reflects exceptional performance in balancing costs with outcomes. Students can expect reasonable educational debt relative to earning potential, particularly in technical fields where the university demonstrates strongest performance.
Tennessee Tech enrolls 31.0% Pell-eligible students, indicating substantial lower-income representation supported by federal grant aid. The $11,131 average financial aid savings demonstrates active institutional participation in making education affordable through grant aid, scholarships, and need-based programs.
Progressive net pricing shows the university effectively targets aid to families with limited resources while maintaining accessibility for middle-income students who may not qualify for maximum aid levels. The aid system appears designed to support the university's role as an Opportunity Builder, enabling access for first-generation and lower-income students while maintaining reasonable costs for families across income spectrums.
Tennessee residents benefit from additional state aid programs that supplement federal grants and institutional scholarships in reducing net costs below published tuition rates.
