Degree Dividend
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Chattanooga State Community College vs Herzing University-Nashville: which has better ROI?

Public, Chattanooga TN · vs · Private nonprofit, Nashville TN

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Chattanooga State Community College comes closer — median earnings $37,598 against a $10,566 total, vs $36,909 at Herzing University-Nashville. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureChattanooga State Community CollegeHerzing University-Nashville
Net price / yr$5,283$20,537
Total net cost$10,566$82,148
Median earnings, 10 yrs$37,598$36,909
Median debt$10,419$21,500
Payback
20-year net return-$225,806-$311,168

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Chattanooga State Community College or Herzing University-Nashville?

Chattanooga State Community College, at $5,283 a year after aid versus $20,537 — a gap of $15,254 a year, or $71,582 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Chattanooga State Community College or Herzing University-Nashville graduates earn more?

Chattanooga State Community College graduates report a median $37,598 ten years after entry, $689 more than the $36,909 at Herzing University-Nashville. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Chattanooga State Community College or Herzing University-Nashville?

Chattanooga State Community College: its completers carry a median $10,419 in federal loans versus $21,500 at Herzing University-Nashville, a difference of $11,081. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Chattanooga State Community College vs Herzing University-Nashville: frequently asked questions

Is Chattanooga State Community College or Herzing University-Nashville a better value?
Chattanooga State Community College comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, Chattanooga State Community College or Herzing University-Nashville?
Chattanooga State Community College: $5,283/yr net price after aid versus $20,537/yr at Herzing University-Nashville — a difference of $15,254 a year, or about $71,582 over four years.
Do Chattanooga State Community College or Herzing University-Nashville graduates earn more?
Chattanooga State Community College graduates earn a median $37,598 ten years after entry, versus $36,909 at Herzing University-Nashville — a $689 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.