UTC's published cost of attendance reaches $23,563 annually, including $18,208 in out-of-state tuition (or $10,144 for Tennessee residents), $10,052 for room and board, and $1,400 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $12,817 after financial aid—a savings of $10,746 from the sticker price.
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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) | $25,489 |
| Tuition and Fees | $18,512 |
| Room and Board | $12,604 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,400 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$11,224 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $14,265 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $9,876 |
| $30–48k | $10,919 |
| $48–75k | $13,594 |
| $75–110k | $17,374 |
| $110k+ | $19,137 |
UTC's published cost of attendance reaches $23,563 annually, including $18,208 in out-of-state tuition (or $10,144 for Tennessee residents), $10,052 for room and board, and $1,400 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $12,817 after financial aid—a savings of $10,746 from the sticker price. This represents a 45.6% reduction from published costs through need-based and merit aid programs.
Compared to peer institutions with a median net price of $14,093, UTC costs $1,276 less annually, providing above-average affordability among similar public regional universities. The substantial gap between sticker price and actual cost reflects UTC's commitment to accessible higher education through robust financial aid packaging. Net costs vary significantly by family income level, ranging from $8,492 for the lowest-income families to $16,862 for the highest earners—an $8,370 spread that demonstrates progressive aid targeting.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
UTC graduates carry median debt of $19,500, which compares favorably to the peer median of $21,105—a $1,605 advantage. Student debt spans from $5,500 at the 25th percentile to $24,250 at the 75th percentile, indicating most students borrow moderate amounts rather than taking maximum loan limits.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 means typical graduates dedicate about 38 cents of every earned dollar to debt service, which falls within manageable ranges for most career paths. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $15,313 with monthly payments of $202, representing additional family debt that should factor into total educational investment calculations.
The controlled debt levels reflect both UTC's affordable net pricing and students' generally conservative borrowing patterns. Compared to peer institutions, UTC's debt advantage of $1,605 annually compounds over four-year degree completion, creating meaningful savings.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
UTC delivers solid return on educational investment through the combination of controlled costs and steady earnings growth. Graduates earn $407 beyond expectations relative to students with similar backgrounds, ranking at the 57.7th percentile nationally for earnings uplift—demonstrating above-average value creation.
With median earnings of $51,151 and debt of $19,500, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 supports manageable repayment timelines. Compared to peer institutions, UTC graduates earn $1,035 more annually while borrowing $1,605 less, creating a double advantage in return calculations.
The net price advantage of $1,276 annually versus peer institutions compounds over four years, representing over $5,000 in savings during college. Program-specific outcomes show particular strength in engineering and business fields, where graduates achieve earnings well above institutional medians.
UTC's financial aid approach emphasizes broad access with 32.5% of students receiving Pell grants, indicating substantial enrollment of lower-income students. The average financial aid savings of $10,746 represents nearly half the total cost of attendance, reflecting aggressive aid packaging to support accessibility.
The relatively modest net price differences between middle-income tiers suggest aid extends beyond just the lowest-income students, supporting middle-class affordability concerns. This aid distribution aligns with UTC's Open Access mission and substantial first-generation student enrollment (29.3%).
The combination of federal Pell grants, state aid programs, and institutional scholarships creates comprehensive support systems. Students should expect substantial aid consideration regardless of precise income level, though the greatest savings concentrate among families earning under $75,000 annually.
