The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga vs Tennessee Technological University: which has better ROI?
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $57,060 in 20.4 years versus 404.1 years at Tennessee Technological University, on median earnings of $51,151 vs $48,501 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga | Tennessee Technological University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $14,265 | $14,246 |
| Total net cost | $57,060 | $56,984 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $51,151 | $48,501 |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $15,650 |
| Payback | 20.4 yrs | 404.1 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$1,240 | -$54,164 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga or Tennessee Technological University?
Tennessee Technological University, at $14,246 a year after aid versus $14,265 — a gap of $19 a year, or $76 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 Tennessee Technological University graduates earn more?
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga graduates report a median $51,151 ten years after entry, $2,650 more than the $48,501 at Tennessee Technological University. 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 Tennessee Technological University?
Tennessee Technological University: its completers carry a median $15,650 in federal loans versus $19,500 at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, a difference of $3,850. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
58% of students finish at Tennessee Technological University, against 50% at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. 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.