Tennessee Tech President Phil Oldham said the value of a Tennessee Tech degree is higher than ever.
A study conducted by an independent research group this week found that each degree program offered by the university gives students a high return on investment. Oldham said providing an affordable education is something the university strives to do.
“It’s really important for students today to earn a college degree, because we know it provides them a greater opportunity for a career and earnings over their lifetime, but it needs to be at an affordable cost,” Oldham said. “I think that’s what this study points out. That the education investment is the highest in the region here at Tennessee Tech.”
The study found that the university’s electrical engineering program has the highest return on investment among state public universities. Oldham said the recognition was substantial especially since Tennessee Tech’s signature is engineering.
“I think engineering disciplines at Tech always need to lead the way and set the pace for the rest of us,” Oldham said. “To be at the top of all programs in the state, that is very remarkable, but it also lifts all of our other academic programs on campus.”
Oldham said he believes the affordability is the result of good decision making by leadership, faculty and staff. Oldham said the value of each degree shows that the university puts students first.
“If you’re paying 50,60 or $70,000 a year in tuition, you begin to wonder if that degree is really worth it,” Oldham said. “Is it going to pay off over the course of your career? That’s just not the case at Tennessee Tech.”
