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Engineering-Related Fields at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga

Chattanooga, TN · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $60,284/yr (-13% vs median)

AI Risk High (38% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (111,400 openings/yr)

ROI 14.3x earnings multiple (8.0x out-of-state)

Ranked #12 of 31 Engineering-Related Fields programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Engineering-Related Fields graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$588K	$581K	$536K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	14.5x	14.3x	13.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	8.1x	8.0x	7.4x
Probability of Field Employment	55%	52%	41%
DegreeOutlook Score	65	65	63

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$40,576

Out-of-state: $72,832 (8.0x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$51,268

-26% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$24,570

4.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$65,588

9% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $60,284 track close to the $69,301 national median for Engineering-Related Fields programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 14.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Engineering-Related Fields career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $24,570 in median debt against $60,284 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #12 ranking among 31 Engineering-Related Fields programs places The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The limited growth from $60,284 to $65,588 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga

The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga has a 77% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 9,878 students in Chattanooga, TN.

See all programs and financial aid at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga →

Top Career Paths

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr

Industrial production managers $121,440/yr

Engineers, all other $117,750/yr

View all 10 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Engineering-Related Fields at Other Schools

Other Majors at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 65/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Engineering-Related Fields at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga?

At 65/100, The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga's Engineering-Related Fields program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Should I worry about AI if I study Engineering-Related Fields at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga?

The 38% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →