The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga vs Southern Adventist University: which has better ROI?
Southern Adventist University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $97,380 in 18.2 years versus 20.4 years at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, on median earnings of $53,723 vs $51,151 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga | Southern Adventist University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $14,265 | $24,345 |
| Total net cost | $57,060 | $97,380 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $51,151 | $53,723 |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $24,500 |
| Payback | 20.4 yrs | 18.2 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$1,240 | $9,880 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga or Southern Adventist University?
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, at $14,265 a year after aid versus $24,345 — a gap of $10,080 a year, or $40,320 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga or Southern Adventist University graduates earn more?
Southern Adventist University graduates report a median $53,723 ten years after entry, $2,572 more than the $51,151 at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. 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, The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga or Southern Adventist University?
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga: its completers carry a median $19,500 in federal loans versus $24,500 at Southern Adventist University, a difference of $5,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
50% of students finish at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, against 49% at Southern Adventist University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.