Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at University of Tennessee-Knoxville vary significantly by field of study, with Computer Science and Engineering programs leading earnings outcomes while humanities and interdisciplinary programs show more modest returns. The data below evaluates programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than academic reputation or prestige.
Analyzing 61 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights identify programs that demonstrate strong performance across earnings, national rankings, and enrollment scale at University of Tennessee-Knoxville.
recent graduates
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below organize programs by academic area, showing earnings, debt, national rankings, and enrollment for each major.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at The University Of Tennessee-Knoxville.
Engineering and technology programs at University of Tennessee-Knoxville deliver the institution's strongest earnings outcomes, with Computer Science leading at $90,584 and Mechanical Engineering producing $80,833 in median earnings. Civil Engineering graduates earn $69,659, demonstrating consistent performance across engineering disciplines.
These programs rank competitively nationally while maintaining substantial enrollment, making them excellent choices for students prioritizing high post-graduation earnings and technical career preparation.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial Engineering. | — | $107,093 |
Program outcomes reflect actual graduate earnings from federal College Scorecard data, measuring median incomes of graduates 10 years after initial enrollment. Rankings compare programs nationally within each specific major field, not across all programs. Earnings differences reflect labor market demand, industry growth, and career progression patterns rather than program quality alone. Cohort sizes indicate program scale and data reliability, with larger programs providing more stable outcome measurements. Students should consider these outcomes alongside personal interests, career goals, and individual aptitudes when selecting academic programs. Value scores incorporate both earnings and debt levels to assess overall program return on investment.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
| — |
| 43 |
| Computer Science. | — | $106,312 | — | 79 |
| Computer Engineering.Small sample | — | $105,834 | — | 19 |
| Nuclear Engineering. | — | $99,139 | — | 42 |
| Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering. | — | $93,642 | — | 44 |
| Chemical Engineering. | — | $91,643 | — | 64 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | — | $90,623 | $30,609 | 186 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering. | — | $89,015 | — | 54 |
| Agricultural Engineering.Small sample | — | $85,141 | — | 9 |
| Civil Engineering. | — | $80,958 | $33,180 | 67 |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering. | — | $69,476 | — | 62 |
| Materials Engineering. | — | $58,221 | — | 20 |
Business programs represent the university's largest academic area by enrollment and deliver strong career outcomes across multiple specializations. Business Administration graduates 417 students annually earning $68,864, while Accounting produces fewer graduates (156) but higher earnings at $71,799.
Banking and Financial Support Services graduates earn $68,331, and Digital Marketing produces $55,676. These programs consistently rank #1 in Tennessee, providing excellent preparation for diverse business careers with manageable debt levels.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | — | $92,042★ | $37,890 | 189 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | — | $89,445 | $30,000 | 98 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | — | $83,793 | $51,565 | 198 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | — | $82,074 | $32,500 | 470 |
| Business/Managerial Economics. | — | $80,415 | — | 30 |
| Marketing. | — | $70,661 | $31,010 | 240 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | — | $63,005 | — | 40 |
| Hospitality Administration/Management. | — | $58,854 | — | 34 |
Health programs at University of Tennessee-Knoxville center on Adult Health Nurse/Nursing, which graduates 252 students annually with median earnings of $62,548. While nursing ranks lower nationally (#229), it provides stable career outcomes with reasonable debt levels.
The program serves significant student demand and offers direct pathways to employment in Tennessee's growing healthcare sector, making it suitable for students seeking healthcare careers with predictable outcomes.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | — | $77,118★ | $29,007 | 257 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | — | $59,347 | — | 74 |
Biology represents the primary sciences program with substantial enrollment, graduating 226 students annually with median earnings of $44,486. The program ranks #176 nationally but #2 in Tennessee, reflecting solid regional performance.
Earnings outcomes are more modest compared to engineering or business, typical for life sciences programs that often lead to graduate study. This path suits students planning advanced degrees or careers in research, healthcare, or environmental fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statistics. | — | $83,697★ | — | 29 |
| Chemistry. | — | $79,736 | — | 39 |
| Biology, General. | — | $58,149 | $18,510 | 259 |
| Mathematics. | — | $50,605 | — | 54 |
| Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences. | — | $50,202 | — | 28 |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences. | — | $21,138 | — | 116 |
American Government and Politics graduates 164 students annually with median earnings of $47,707, ranking #201 nationally but #3 in Tennessee. The program demonstrates moderate earnings outcomes typical for social sciences, with career paths leading to government, law, education, and public service.
Students should expect moderate post-graduation earnings but diverse career flexibility, making this field suitable for those prioritizing public service or graduate study preparation.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economics. | — | $67,902★ | — | 42 |
| Political Science and Government. | — | $60,073 | $39,444 | 161 |
| Geography and Cartography. | — | $54,656 | — | 21 |
| Sociology. | — | $53,635 | $37,222 | 101 |
| Social Work. | — | $48,510 | — | 72 |
| Anthropology. | — | $41,767 | $29,598 | 60 |
Communications programs include Communication and Media Studies (135 graduates, $48,099 median earnings) and Advertising (114 graduates, $51,859 median earnings). Both programs show solid performance for their fields, with Advertising ranking #37 nationally.
Earnings outcomes fall in the middle range among university programs, reflecting the diverse nature of media and communications careers from journalism to marketing and public relations.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | — | $63,314★ | $54,079 | 122 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | — | $57,394 | $35,635 | 132 |
| Journalism. | — | $52,663 | $55,059 | 82 |
English Language and Literature represents the primary humanities program, graduating 98 students with median earnings of $39,381. The program ranks #207 nationally, reflecting the challenging earnings environment for humanities graduates.
However, these programs provide valuable liberal arts preparation for diverse careers, graduate study, and professional schools. Students should prioritize passion and career flexibility over immediate earnings when considering humanities fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Design and Applied Arts.Small sample | — | $69,047★ | — | 16 |
| Philosophy.Small sample | — | $59,329 | — | 18 |
| Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services. | — | $52,703 | — | 59 |
| History. | — | $52,505 | — | 67 |
| Music. | — | $46,701 | — | 40 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | — | $46,366 | $53,051 | 116 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft.Small sample | — | $41,414 | — | 16 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | — | $34,609 | — | 34 |
Special Education and Teaching. leads education with 51K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Special Education and Teaching.Small sample | — | $50,585 | — | 19 |
Agricultural Animal Breeding graduates 113 students annually with median earnings of $35,670, ranking #44 nationally in the field. While earnings are lower compared to technical programs, this specialized field serves important agricultural and environmental needs.
The program suits students committed to agricultural careers, animal science, or rural economic development, with outcomes appropriate for its specialized nature.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soil Sciences. | — | $88,563★ | — | 24 |
| Food Science and Technology. | — | $68,114 | — | 28 |
| Plant Sciences. | — | $61,587 | — | 38 |
| Agricultural Business and Management.Small sample | — | $59,769 | — | 16 |
| Forestry. | — | $57,436 | — | 25 |
| Agricultural Public Services.Small sample | — | $52,060 | — | 11 |
| Animal Sciences. | — | $49,656 | $20,903 | 101 |
| Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management. | — | $48,882 | — | 56 |
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies graduates 146 students annually but produces the university's lowest median earnings at $37,520. The program ranks #82 nationally but shows limited post-graduation earning potential.
Students should carefully consider career goals and employment prospects when selecting interdisciplinary programs, as outcomes vary significantly based on individual preparation and career focus.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architecture. | — | $68,765★ | — | 72 |
| Interior Architecture. | — | $65,144 | $21,591 | 32 |
| Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies. | — | $63,996 | — | 30 |
| Nutrition Sciences.Small sample | — | $58,972 | — | 19 |
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness. | — | $57,020 | $36,353 | 358 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | — | $56,155 | $30,317 | 99 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | — | $49,785 | $30,755 | 85 |
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.
