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The University of Tennessee-Knoxville vs The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga: which has better ROI?

Public, Knoxville TN · vs · Public, Chattanooga TN

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $75,904 in 6.4 years versus 20.4 years at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, on median earnings of $60,249 vs $51,151 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureThe University of Tennessee-KnoxvilleThe University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
Net price / yr$18,976$14,265
Total net cost$75,904$57,060
Median earnings, 10 yrs$60,249$51,151
Median debt$20,500$19,500
Payback6.4 yrs20.4 yrs
20-year net return$161,876-$1,240

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

Which is cheaper, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville or The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga?

The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, at $14,265 a year after aid versus $18,976 — a gap of $4,711 a year, or $18,844 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-Knoxville or The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga graduates earn more?

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville graduates report a median $60,249 ten years after entry, $9,098 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-Knoxville or The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga?

The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga: its completers carry a median $19,500 in federal loans versus $20,500 at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, a difference of $1,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

74% of students finish at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, 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.

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville vs The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga: frequently asked questions

Is The University of Tennessee-Knoxville or The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga a better value?
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville. It clears its $75,904 net cost in about 6.4 years versus 20.4 years at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, on median earnings of $60,249 vs $51,151 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville or The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga?
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga: $14,265/yr net price after aid versus $18,976/yr at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville — a difference of $4,711 a year, or about $18,844 over four years.
Do The University of Tennessee-Knoxville or The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga graduates earn more?
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville graduates earn a median $60,249 ten years after entry, versus $51,151 at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga — a $9,098 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.