What is the starting salary for Marine Biology graduates in Chattanooga?

The estimated starting salary for Marine Biology graduates in Chattanooga, TN is $40,000 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 80. The national average starting salary for this major is $50,000. Salaries in Chattanooga are 20% lower than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Marine Biology degree worth it in Chattanooga?

A Marine Biology degree in Chattanooga has an estimated ROI payback period of 7.3 years, with a projected lifetime return of $112,568 after subtracting education costs. With 5 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $9,648/year, Chattanooga offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 3% and the major's national unemployment rate of 5.5% should also factor into your decision.

How much does it cost to study Marine Biology in Chattanooga?

The average annual public university tuition in Chattanooga is $9,648, while private universities average $39,466/year. Including room and board ($12,210/year), total 4-year costs range from $87,432 at a public school to $206,704 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Chattanooga is $9,310/year.

What jobs can Marine Biology graduates get in Chattanooga?

Marine Biology graduates in Chattanooga can pursue careers as Marine Biologist, Aquarist, Environmental Consultant. Key skills valued by local employers include Scuba Diving, Marine Ecology, Field Research, Water Quality Analysis. The Chattanooga job market features Tech companies, Research labs, Government agencies among the top hiring sectors for this field. National top employers include NOAA, Monterey Bay Aquarium, USGS.

How long to pay off student loans for Marine Biology in Chattanooga?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Marine Biology graduates in Chattanooga would pay $993/month on an estimated $87,432 in loans, with $31,701 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $1,711/month but save $16,490 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $40,000, monthly payments would represent 30% of gross monthly income.

Marine Biology Degree in Chattanooga, TN — Salary & ROI 2026

Marine Biology degree analysis for Chattanooga, TN. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.

Starting Salary

$40K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$50K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

7.3 yrs

in Chattanooga

Cost of Living

index (100 = avg)

Marine Biology in Chattanooga, TN Overview

While Chattanooga has a smaller college scene with 5 institutions, Marine Biology students benefit from lower tuition costs. Room and board averages $12,210/year, and the car-friendly layout shapes the student experience. Marine Biology enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in Scuba Diving and Marine Ecology. The adjusted starting salary in Chattanooga is approximately $40,000.

Marine Biology Salary in Chattanooga (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Chattanooga's cost of living index of 80 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$40,000($-10,000 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$49,600($-12,400 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$62,400($-15,600 vs national)

Note: National average Marine Biology salary: $50,000 starting, $62,000 mid-career, $78,000 senior level.Chattanooga adjustment factor: 0.80x based on the local cost of living index.

Marine Biology ROI Calculator for Chattanooga

Estimate your return on investment for a Marine Biology degree using local Chattanooga tuition and cost of living data.

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $9,648 | Private avg: $39,466

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Chattanooga avg aid: $9,310/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%

Total Education Cost

$87,432

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$12,000

vs HS diploma in Chattanooga

ROI Payback Period

7.3 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Chattanooga

$112,568

Lifetime earnings premium ($200,000) minus total education cost ($87,432)

Student Loan Payoff for Marine Biology in Chattanooga

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$87,432

Monthly Payment$993

Total Interest$31,701

% of Monthly Income30%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$87,432

Monthly Payment$1,711

Total Interest$15,210

Interest Savings$16,490

Colleges in Chattanooga for Marine Biology

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

public

$9,648/yr

$38,592 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Chattanooga State Community College

$4,320/yr

Top Employers for Marine Biology in Chattanooga

Chattanooga offers opportunities in Tech companies, Research labs, Government agencies for Marine Biology graduates. National top employers in this field include:

NOAAMonterey Bay AquariumUSGSWoods HoleNational Aquarium

Key Chattanooga Hiring Sectors for STEM

Tech companies

Research labs

Government agencies

Startups

Consulting firms

Common Marine Biology Job Titles

Marine BiologistAquaristEnvironmental Consultant

Marine Biology in Nearby Tennessee Cities

Nashville, TN

$46K starting · COL 92

35 colleges

Memphis, TN

$47K starting · COL 93

22 colleges

Knoxville, TN

$43K starting · COL 85

5 colleges

Clarksville, TN

$45K starting · COL 90

9 colleges

Murfreesboro, TN

$46K starting · COL 91

10 colleges

Franklin, TN

$59K starting · COL 118.5

4 colleges

Jackson, TN

$41K starting · COL 82.5

3 colleges

Johnson City, TN

$53K starting · COL 105

6 colleges

Other STEM Majors in Chattanooga

Prompt Engineering

$40K starting · 1.5 yr ROI

Computational Linguistics

$76K starting · 2 yr ROI

Computer Science

$68K starting · 2.8 yr ROI

Software Engineering

$70K starting · 2.7 yr ROI

Data Science

$66K starting · 3 yr ROI

Astrophysics

$68K starting · 3 yr ROI

Actuarial Science

$40K starting · 3 yr ROI

Cybersecurity

$64K starting · 3 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Marine Biology degree outcomes in Chattanooga, TN: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.

Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Marine Biology programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Tennessee.
Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Chattanooga using regional CPI data.
10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
Job market outlook for Marine Biology graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.

Authoritative US education data sources:

IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Marine Biology career projections
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Marine Biology grads

Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.

Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release

Financial Aid Resources for Chattanooga Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Tennessee students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:

📋 Federal Aid (FAFSA)

Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):

🏛️ State Grants (Tennessee)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — Tennessee programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "tennessee higher education commission grants"

🎓 College Outcomes Data

Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:

• College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
• NCES College Navigator
• IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center

💰 Scholarship Search

Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:

2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.

Marine Biology Degree in Chattanooga — FAQ

Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.

Explore More

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Marine Biology Overview Colleges in Chattanooga All Majors