Business Administration at Pellissippi State Community College

Knoxville, TN · Public · Associate Degree · Business Administration, Management and Operations

serving 6,391 students in Knoxville, TN.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $32,529/yr, roughly in line with the $35,542 national median for Business Administration. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 44.2x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 18% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Business Administration career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

With first-year pay of $32,529 far exceeding the $8,540 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #287 ranking among 455 Business Administration programs places Pellissippi State Community College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 23% earnings increase from $32,529 to $39,896 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

The 28 apprenticeship pathways connected to Business Administration reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

69 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
63
Low End
69
Score
71
High End
Earnings $32,529/yr (-8% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (53% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (1,753,300 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$414K
5.2% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
45.2x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
42 of 42
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$9,152
Out-of-state: $35,552
Median Debt at Graduation
$8,540
3.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$39,896
23% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Business Administration graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Chief executives $206,420 +4.3% 44%
Computer and information systems managers $171,200 +15.2% 47%
Architectural and engineering managers $167,740 +3.8% 59%
Chief executives
$206,420
+4.3% growth 44% AI-proof
Computer and information systems managers
$171,200
+15.2% growth 47% AI-proof
Architectural and engineering managers
$167,740
+3.8% growth 59% AI-proof

View all 42 career paths with full salary data →

Business Administration Career Guide

Explore what Business Administration graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 455 programs nationwide.

Read the full Business Administration career guide →

Compare & Explore

Business Administration Overview

Business Administration at Other Schools

Other Majors at Pellissippi State Community College

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Pellissippi State Community College's Business Administration program score?
At 69/100, the score looks reasonable — but Business Administration is a high-scoring trade overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
How vulnerable is Business Administration to AI automation?
Our scenarios model 47% of Business Administration tasks as AI-exposed. That doesn't mean job loss — it means role evolution. Pellissippi State Community College's 69/100 score weights this risk into the overall assessment.
What's the typical debt for Business Administration graduates from Pellissippi State Community College?
At $8,540 in median debt, Business Administration graduates from Pellissippi State Community College carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.3x is well below the trade program average.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Business Administration program at Pellissippi State Community College?
The DOL recognizes 28 apprenticeship pathways related to Business Administration. For students weighing Pellissippi State Community College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
Is there demand for Business Administration workers?
Job availability for Business Administration is strong — 1,753,300 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Pellissippi State Community College graduates specifically, local market conditions in TN may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →