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Head-to-head comparison

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

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

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

Option A Chattanooga, TN

The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga

Net price / year
$14,265
Earnings, 10 years
$51,151
Payback
20.4 yrs

Option B Jackson, TN

Union University

Net price / year
$27,171
Earnings, 10 years
$53,990
Payback
19.3 yrs
The verdict

Union University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $108,684 in 19.3 years versus 20.4 years at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, on median earnings of $53,990 vs $51,151 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureThe University of Tennessee-ChattanoogaUnion University
Net price / yr$14,265$27,171
Total net cost$57,060$108,684
Median earnings, 10 yrs$51,151$53,990
Median debt$19,500$20,714
Payback20.4 yrs19.3 yrs
20-year net return-$1,240$3,916

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

The short answer

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

The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, at $14,265 a year after aid versus $27,171 — a gap of $12,906 a year, or $51,624 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

The short answer

Do The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga or Union University graduates earn more?

Union University graduates report a median $53,990 ten years after entry, $2,839 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.

The short answer

Which leaves students with less debt, The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga or Union University?

The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga: its completers carry a median $19,500 in federal loans versus $20,714 at Union University, a difference of $1,214. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

The short answer

Which graduates more of its students?

66% of students finish at Union 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.

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

Is The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga or Union University a better value?
Union University. It clears its $108,684 net cost in about 19.3 years versus 20.4 years at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, on median earnings of $53,990 vs $51,151 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga or Union University?
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga: $14,265/yr net price after aid versus $27,171/yr at Union University — a difference of $12,906 a year, or about $51,624 over four years.
Do The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga or Union University graduates earn more?
Union University graduates earn a median $53,990 ten years after entry, versus $51,151 at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga — a $2,839 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.