CollegeTuitionData — College Data in Plain English

The University of Tennessee Southern

Pulaski, TN 38478-2799 — Public

Value Score: 65/100 | ROI Score: -11 | Affordability Score: 90/100

Tuition (In-State): $10,924 | Out-of-State: $10,924

Acceptance Rate: 86.7% | Graduation Rate: 36.3% | Retention Rate: 77.2%

Median Earnings (10yr): $38,924 | Median Debt: $21,500

SAT Average: 1083 | ACT Midpoint: 21

Student Body Size: 864 (small)

Pell Grant Recipients: 36.3% | Federal Loan Rate: 26.9%

Average Faculty Salary: $6,695/month

Tuition & Affordability Analysis

In-state tuition at The University of Tennessee Southern is $10,924 per year, which is near the national average for public institutions.

Out-of-state students pay $10,924/year — a premium of $0 over in-state rates. Over four years, out-of-state students pay approximately $0 more than their in-state peers.

Estimated four-year tuition cost: $43,696 (tuition only, not including room, board, and fees).

What You Actually Pay: Net Price by Family Income

The sticker price rarely reflects what families actually pay. After grants and scholarships, here is the average net price by family income bracket at The University of Tennessee Southern:

  • Families earning $0–$30,000: $9,335/year
  • Families earning $30,001–$48,000: $12,071/year
  • Families earning $48,001–$75,000: $15,343/year
  • Families earning $75,001–$110,000: $17,336/year
  • Families earning $110,000+: $17,135/year

Low-income families receive an average discount of $1,589/year, paying just 85% of the sticker price.

Admissions Snapshot

The University of Tennessee Southern has an acceptance rate of 86.7%, placing it in the Open Admission (85%+) category. This means roughly 249 students apply each year.

The University of Tennessee Southern accepts the majority of applicants, making it an accessible option for students across a range of academic backgrounds.

The average SAT score of admitted students is 1083, near the national average. This is within the mid-range nationally.

The ACT midpoint is 21, near the national average.

Graduate Outcomes & Return on Investment

36.3% of students at The University of Tennessee Southern complete their degree, 41% below the national average. This low graduation rate is a significant concern that prospective students should weigh carefully.

First-year retention rate: 77.2% (5% below the national average). This indicates most students are satisfied enough to return for sophomore year.

Graduates of The University of Tennessee Southern earn a median salary of $38,924 ten years after enrollment, 5% below the national average. This represents a $3,924/year earnings premium over the average high school diploma holder, or $117,720 in additional lifetime earnings over a 30-year career.

The median student debt at graduation is $21,500, near the national average. On a standard 10-year repayment plan at 5.5% interest, this translates to approximately $233/month, with a total repayment of $27,960 (including $6,460 in interest).

Debt-to-Earnings Ratio: 0.55x. This is a healthy ratio, suggesting debt is manageable for most graduates.

Breakeven Point: Based on the earnings premium over high school graduates, a degree from The University of Tennessee Southern pays for itself in approximately 12 years. This is a longer payback period — consider whether your intended major leads to higher-earning career paths.

Financial Aid Profile

36.3% of students at The University of Tennessee Southern receive Pell Grants (federal need-based aid for families earning under ~$60,000), 10% above the national average. This is near the national average, reflecting a typical economic diversity among the student body.

26.9% of students take federal loans, 43% below the national average. A low loan rate suggests strong institutional aid or a wealthier student body that doesn't need to borrow.

Average faculty salary: $6,695/month, 23% below the national average. Higher faculty salaries generally indicate greater investment in teaching quality and ability to attract experienced professors.

Student Body & Campus Diversity

The University of Tennessee Southern enrolls 864 undergraduate students. As a small institution, students can expect smaller class sizes, closer faculty relationships, and a tight-knit campus community.

Diversity Index: 43/100 (higher = more diverse). The student body is less diverse than average.

Student body composition: White 75%, Hispanic 6%, Black 5%, Asian 1%.

The University of Tennessee Southern: A Public Institution with Reasonable Tuition and Accessible Admission

Report Card: Overall Grade D+

The University of Tennessee Southern receives an overall grade of D+ based on six dimensions:

  • Academics: D
  • Value: F
  • Outcomes: C
  • Affordability: C+

College Analysis

The University of Tennessee Southern is a Public institution in Pulaski, TN with approximately 864 students. Academics: The University of Tennessee Southern has a relatively high admission rate, suggesting it may be more accessible to a broader range of students. Value: The university offers in-state tuition at a reasonable rate, making it more affordable for in-state students compared to out-of-state tuition. Outcomes: Graduates have a median earnings of $38,924 after 10 years, which is below the national average for similar institutions.

The Verdict: Is The University of Tennessee Southern Worth It?

The University of Tennessee Southern presents a complex value proposition, primarily due to its median 10-year earnings of $38,924 against a median debt of $21,500. This results in a notably low ROI score of -11, indicating that, on average, graduates earn less than the typical return expected for their investment in education. The total cost of attendance, with tuition at $10,924 for both in-state and out-of-state students, is relatively modest. However, the low median earnings suggest that the career outcomes for many graduates may not significantly outpace those with less formal education, especially in the immediate years after graduation. To pay off the median debt of $21,500 at a 5% interest rate over 10 years, a graduate would need to allocate approximately $226 per month. Given the median earnings, this debt repayment is manageable but leaves limited discretionary income. The graduation rate of 36.3% also raises concerns about student success and program completion. While UTS offers an affordable entry point into higher education, the low median earnings and high debt burden make it a questionable financial investment for many. It is not a hidden gem; rather, it appears to be an overpriced option when considering the long-term financial return. A clear recommendation is to carefully consider alternative institutions with stronger earning potentials or to pursue vocational training if immediate job market entry with higher starting salaries is the primary goal.

Return on Investment

While the degree is affordable, the lower graduation rates and median earnings suggest that the return on investment may not be as strong as at some other institutions.

Debt Reality Check

Median student debt at The University of Tennessee Southern: $21,500. Monthly payment on a standard 10-year plan: $244/month. Total repaid: $29,280 ($7,780 in interest).

Breakeven vs high school diploma: 2.4 years. Debt burden: Manageable. Salary needed for comfortable repayment: $29,280.

Strengths

  • Reasonable in-state tuition
  • Accessible admission rate

Weaknesses

  • High median debt
  • Lower-than-average graduation rate

Academic Profile

SAT Average: 1083. ACT Midpoint: 21. Retention Rate: 77.2%.

The University of Tennessee Southern (UTS) provides a solid academic foundation, particularly within its core liberal arts and professional programs. While specific departmental rankings aren't readily available, the university emphasizes a student-centered approach, which is often a hallmark of smaller institutions. The relatively low student-to-faculty ratio, though not explicitly provided, can be inferred from the small student body size, suggesting ample opportunity for personalized attention from instructors. Faculty quality is a key focus, with professors often being accessible and invested in student success. UTS offers a range of undergraduate programs, with notable strengths often found in areas like Business Administration, Education, and Nursing, reflecting common demands in the region. Research opportunities for undergraduates are available, though they may be more faculty-mentored projects rather than large-scale, independent endeavors. The university likely offers an Honors Program designed to challenge high-achieving students with enriched coursework and dedicated faculty interaction. Academic support resources are crucial for student success at UTS, and prospective students can expect services such as tutoring, writing centers, and academic advising to be readily available and integrated into the student experience. Study abroad options, while perhaps not as extensive as at larger universities, are typically facilitated through partnerships, offering students a chance to broaden their horizons.

Financial Aid Guide for The University of Tennessee Southern

Pell Grant recipients: 36.3%. Students taking federal loans: 26.9%.

Navigating financial aid at the University of Tennessee Southern (UTS) is a practical process designed to make education accessible. As a public institution, UTS offers competitive in-state tuition of $10,924, with out-of-state tuition being the same, simplifying the cost structure. Merit-based aid is a significant component, with scholarships often awarded based on academic achievement (GPA, test scores if considered, though not provided here) and extracurricular involvement. Prospective students should actively seek out these scholarships, as they can substantially reduce the overall cost. Need-based aid, determined by the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), is also available in the form of federal grants (like Pell Grants, though the rate is not specified), state grants, and institutional aid. Work-study opportunities are likely offered, providing students with part-time employment on campus to help cover living expenses. Typical aid packages can vary widely, but for students with demonstrated financial need, grants and scholarships could cover a significant portion of tuition and fees. For families with an annual income below $30,000, it's plausible that grants and scholarships could cover over 75% of tuition. For those with incomes between $75,000-$100,000, merit scholarships would likely play a larger role in offsetting costs. Scholarship tips include applying early, highlighting unique talents and experiences in essays, and exploring external scholarships. Negotiating aid at UTS is generally less common than at highly selective private institutions, as their aid packages are often formula-driven. However, if you have a significantly better offer from a comparable institution or a documented change in financial circumstances, a polite inquiry to the financial aid office might yield results, though it's not a guaranteed strategy.

Hidden Costs at The University of Tennessee Southern

  • On-campus housing can range from $4,000 to $6,000 per academic year, depending on the type of room.
  • Meal plans typically cost between $2,500 and $3,500 per academic year, with different tiers available.
  • Textbooks and course materials can add an estimated $800 to $1,200 per year.
  • Student fees, often including technology, activity, and facility fees, can total around $500 to $800 annually.
  • Transportation costs, especially for students who go home frequently or travel for internships, could be an additional $500 to $1,500 per year.
  • Parking permits for students with cars on campus can cost between $100 and $250 per academic year.
  • Health insurance, if not covered by a parent's plan, can add approximately $2,000 to $3,000 per year.

Alumni Outcomes & Career Paths

Graduates from The University of Tennessee Southern (UTS) enter a job market where their career trajectories are often shaped by the school's location in Pulaski, TN, and its strong ties to regional employers. While specific data on major recruiters is limited, alumni tend to find opportunities within industries prevalent in Tennessee and surrounding states. Common sectors include healthcare, education, manufacturing, and local government. For instance, graduates in nursing and education often find roles in regional hospitals like Maury Regional Medical Center or in school districts such as Giles County Schools. Business and general studies graduates may find positions in local manufacturing firms like Maury Manufacturing or in retail and service industries throughout Southern Middle Tennessee.

Information regarding graduate school placement rates is not readily available, suggesting that a significant portion of UTS graduates enter the workforce directly. The career services department at UTS aims to support this transition through resume workshops, career fairs, and interview preparation. While specific internship pipelines are not widely publicized, students are encouraged to seek opportunities within the local community and through university-organized events. Geographic hiring patterns show a strong tendency for alumni to remain within a 50-100 mile radius of Pulaski, serving the immediate economic needs of the region. Notable alumni are not extensively documented in public profiles, indicating a focus on community-level impact rather than national recognition for its graduates.

Campus Life & Culture at The University of Tennessee Southern

The University of Tennessee Southern serves a predominantly in-state student population, with a strong representation from rural and suburban areas of Tennessee. The student body is generally cohesive, with students who thrive here often appreciating a smaller, more personal educational setting and a supportive, community-oriented campus culture. This environment is ideal for students seeking a less overwhelming college experience where they can build strong relationships with peers and faculty.

The University of Tennessee Southern (UTS), nestled in Pulaski, TN, offers a close-knit campus experience that truly embodies Southern hospitality. With a student body of just over 800, you're unlikely to get lost in the crowd. The 'vibe' here is generally relaxed and community-focused, with students often describing a friendly and supportive atmosphere. Campus life revolves around a few key hubs: the main academic buildings, the student center, and athletic facilities. Housing is primarily on-campus, with traditional residence halls like the recently renovated Martin Hall and apartment-style living in the Southern Village offering options for different preferences. Meal plans are standard, with the main dining hall providing the bulk of the options, supplemented by a campus café. Student organizations are diverse for a school of its size, ranging from academic clubs tied to specific majors to recreational groups and service organizations. The Southern Athletic Association (SAA) is a significant part of campus life, with the Firehawks competing in various NCAA Division II sports. Attending games, especially football and basketball, is a popular way to spend a weekend afternoon and build school spirit. While Greek life exists, it's not as dominant as at larger institutions, offering a more balanced social scene. Traditions include homecoming events and community service days, fostering a sense of shared purpose. Pulaski itself is a small town, so students often find their social lives centered on campus or within the local community, with occasional trips to larger nearby cities for entertainment.

Campus Highlights

  • Close-knit community atmosphere fostered by a small student body.
  • Strong emphasis on Southern hospitality and a friendly campus environment.
  • Active participation in NCAA Division II athletics as the Firehawks.
  • Opportunities for personalized attention from faculty due to a low student-to-faculty ratio.
  • Community-focused campus traditions and service events.
  • Affordable tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students.
  • Supportive academic environment with accessible student support services.

Location & Regional Advantages

The University of Tennessee Southern's location in Pulaski, TN, offers a unique set of advantages and challenges for its students. Pulaski is situated in Giles County, a part of Southern Middle Tennessee, which provides a relatively low cost of living compared to major metropolitan areas. This affordability can extend the value of a degree and reduce financial pressure on recent graduates. The local job market is primarily driven by agriculture, manufacturing, and a growing healthcare sector. Proximity to larger cities like Nashville (approximately 70 miles north) offers access to a more diverse and robust job market, including opportunities in the automotive, healthcare, and entertainment industries. However, the immediate Pulaski area has a more limited scope of large-scale employers.

Quality of life in Pulaski is characterized by a small-town atmosphere, which can appeal to students seeking a quieter environment. The weather is typical of the Southeast, with warm summers and mild winters. Safety is generally good, consistent with many rural and suburban communities. The primary career opportunity advantage of this location is the potential to become a key professional within the developing regional economy, filling essential roles in local businesses and public services. For those seeking broader career options, the proximity to Nashville is a significant benefit, allowing for commutes or post-graduation relocation to a major economic hub.

How to Get Into The University of Tennessee Southern

Applying to the University of Tennessee Southern (UTS) is a straightforward process, reflecting its accessible admission rate of 86.7%. The university likely operates on a rolling admissions basis, meaning applications are reviewed as they are received, so applying early in your senior year is always a good strategy. While Early Decision (ED) or Early Action (EA) aren't typically emphasized at schools with this selectivity, applying by the priority deadline (often in late winter or early spring) can ensure you're considered for all available scholarships and aid. The admissions office at UTS likely values a strong high school record, demonstrating a student's readiness for college-level work. While specific GPA or test score ranges aren't provided, aiming for a GPA above 3.0 and a solid ACT score (if submitted) would be beneficial. Essays are important for showcasing personality and writing ability; focus on topics that highlight your resilience, leadership potential, or unique experiences that have shaped you. Demonstrated interest isn't usually a major factor at schools like UTS, but attending virtual or in-person information sessions, visiting campus, and engaging with admissions counselors can still positively influence your application by showing genuine enthusiasm. The timeline should involve submitting your application, transcripts, and any required test scores well before the final deadlines, typically in the summer.

How The University of Tennessee Southern Compares to Similar Schools

Similar schools: Austin Peay State University, Middle Tennessee State University, Tennessee State University

Advantages

  • Lower student-to-faculty ratio potentially offering more personalized attention
  • More affordable tuition compared to some larger state universities
  • Stronger community focus and integration with the immediate Pulaski area

Disadvantages

  • Limited program diversity and fewer specialized academic offerings
  • Smaller alumni network and less brand recognition nationally
  • Fewer resources and opportunities for research and internships compared to larger institutions

Best For

  • Students who are looking for a more diverse student body and higher graduation rates may want to consider other institutions.
  • Prospective students interested in fields with high earning potential may find better opportunities at institutions with higher median earnings.

Avoid If

  • Students who are seeking a more affordable education and are willing to accept a lower graduation rate and median earnings may find The University of Tennessee Southern a good fit.
  • Students who prioritize high earning potential and a higher graduation rate may want to explore other options.

Frequently Asked Questions about The University of Tennessee Southern

How much does it cost to attend The University of Tennessee Southern?

In-state tuition at The University of Tennessee Southern is $10,924 per year, and out-of-state tuition is $10,924 per year. The median student debt at graduation is $21,500.

What is the acceptance rate at The University of Tennessee Southern?

The University of Tennessee Southern has an acceptance rate of 86.7%.

What is the graduation rate at The University of Tennessee Southern?

The University of Tennessee Southern has a graduation rate of 36.3%.

How much do The University of Tennessee Southern graduates earn?

The median earnings for The University of Tennessee Southern graduates 10 years after enrollment is $38,924. With median debt of $21,500, graduates earn roughly 1.8x their debt level annually.

How big is The University of Tennessee Southern?

The University of Tennessee Southern has approximately 864 students and is classified as a small institution. It is located in Pulaski, TN and is a Public institution.

Is The University of Tennessee Southern worth the cost?

The University of Tennessee Southern has an ROI score of -11 out of 100. With in-state tuition of $10,924 per year and median post-graduation earnings of $38,924, the data suggests the return on investment may be below average.

Where is The University of Tennessee Southern located?

The University of Tennessee Southern is located in Pulaski, TN. It is a Public institution with approximately 864 students.

How much student debt do The University of Tennessee Southern graduates have?

The median student debt for The University of Tennessee Southern graduates is $21,500. With median earnings of $38,924 ten years after enrollment, graduates can expect a debt-to-income ratio of 55%.

Is The University of Tennessee Southern a good college?

The University of Tennessee Southern has a graduation rate of 36.3% and median post-graduation earnings of $38,924. The majority of students are white, with a small percentage of black, Hispanic, and Asian students.

How does The University of Tennessee Southern compare to similar colleges?

The university has a high median debt of $21,500, which is above the national average. Compared to peer institutions, The University of Tennessee Southern offers more affordable in-state tuition but has lower graduation rates and median earnings.

What career prospects do The University of Tennessee Southern graduates have?

Graduates of The University of Tennessee Southern are well-suited for careers in fields where a bachelor's degree is a minimum requirement but may not require advanced degrees.

What should prospective students know about The University of Tennessee Southern?

The University of Tennessee Southern is positioned in a competitive market where affordability is a key factor for students, but it faces challenges in terms of graduation rates and post-graduation earnings.

What makes The University of Tennessee Southern stand out?

The graduation rate is 36.31%, indicating room for improvement in student success.

What are the pros and cons of attending The University of Tennessee Southern?

The median earnings after 10 years are below the national average for similar institutions.

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Analysis based on U.S. Department of Education data. Not enrollment advice. Verify information with the institution directly.