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Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT), Dickson : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

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About Tennessee College of Applied Technology

Set in a friendly corner of Dickson, Tennessee College of Applied Technology Dickson is known for hands-on learning that mirrors real workplaces. Students build skills across skilled trades, health sciences, industrial technologies, and information technology. Labs and shops are well equipped, with simulation areas and computer labs for daily practice. Instructors draw on field experience, and advising, tutoring, and career services stay close to the action so students keep moving forward.

The culture is practical and neighborly. Students share tips, then get to work. You will find program based groups, occasional skills showcases, and community projects alongside relaxed study nooks and a casual student lounge. Career prep runs through employer input, industry credentials, mock interviews, and hiring events. Dickson offers small town comfort with quick access to Nashville, plus nearby parks and trails. And the vibe stays no nonsense, focused on safety, punctuality, and pride in solid work. But it is warm, too.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location: 740 Hwy 46, Dickson, Tennessee, 37055, USA
Unit ID: 219994

Academic & Institutional

Control: Public institution (funded by state or local government)
Accreditation: COE
Length of Study: Programs of 2 to less than 4 years (e.g. associate degree)
Calendar System: Other calendar system
Award Levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Certificate (≥2 yrs), Other Award
Carnegie Classification: Not available
Campus Setting: Located in a fringe rural area (within 5 miles of urban area)
Tuition: Not available
Student Profile:
Total Students: 1,229
Undergraduate: 622
Graduate/Other: 607
Male: 863 Female: 366
Applications:
Total Applicants: Not available
Admitted: Not available
Enrolled: Not available
Staff:
Total: 78 Full-time: 72 Part-time: 6

Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects

Explore degree programs offered at Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT), Dickson with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in Tennessee. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.

How to use this guide:
Click on any academic field that interests you to expand and view available degree programs. Each program shows potential career paths, median salaries in Tennessee vs national averages, and job prospects for graduates. Perfect for answering "What can I do with my degree?" and salary expectations.
Mechanics (9)
Automotive Technology, Equipment Repair and Maintenance
47.0201 Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician. (Cert<1y, AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, install, service and maintain the operating condition of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. Includes instruction in diagnostic techniques, the use of testing equipment and the principles of mechanics, electricity, and electronics as they relate to the repair of heating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems.

Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Tennessee Avg TN vs US
49-9021 Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers $62,690 $48,230 -$14,460 (-23.1%)
47.0303 Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology/Technician. (Assoc, AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair and maintain industrial machinery and equipment such as cranes, pumps, engines and motors, pneumatic tools, conveyor systems, production machinery, marine deck machinery, and steam propulsion, refinery, and pipeline-distribution systems.

Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Tennessee Avg TN vs US
47-4021 Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers $104,860 $89,650 -$15,210 (-14.5%)
49-9012 Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door $75,970 $51,160 -$24,810 (-32.7%)
49-9041 Industrial Machinery Mechanics $67,160 $59,040 -$8,120 (-12.1%)
49-9043 Maintenance Workers, Machinery $61,820 $58,810 -$3,010 (-4.9%)
49-9044 Millwrights $68,640 $56,170 -$12,470 (-18.2%)
49-9045 Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons $61,480 N/A N/A
49-9081 Wind Turbine Service Technicians $67,580 N/A N/A
47.0604 Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician. (Cert<1y, Assoc, AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, service, and maintain all types of automobiles. Includes instruction in brake systems, electrical systems, engine performance, engine repair, suspension and steering, automatic and manual transmissions and drive trains, and heating and air condition systems.

Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Tennessee Avg TN vs US
49-2093 Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment $80,980 $60,760 -$20,220 (-25%)
49-2096 Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles $50,240 $47,350 -$2,890 (-5.8%)
49-3023 Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics $55,260 $49,200 -$6,060 (-11%)
47.0605 Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician. (Assoc, AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, service, and maintain diesel engines in vehicles such as automobiles, buses, ships, trucks, railroad locomotives, and construction equipment; as well as stationary diesel engines in electrical generators and related equipment.

Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Tennessee Avg TN vs US
49-3031 Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists $62,480 $55,120 -$7,360 (-11.8%)
Production (4)
Manufacturing Technology, Quality Control and Industrial Arts
48.0501 Machine Tool Technology/Machinist. (Cert<1y, AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to plan, manufacture, assemble, test, and repair parts, mechanisms, machines, and structures in which materials are cast, formed, shaped, molded, heat treated, cut, twisted, pressed, fused, stamped or worked.

Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Tennessee Avg TN vs US
51-4021 Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $48,170 $44,300 -$3,870 (-8%)
51-4022 Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $50,900 $40,860 -$10,040 (-19.7%)
51-4023 Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $50,940 $45,530 -$5,410 (-10.6%)
51-4031 Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $47,060 $45,150 -$1,910 (-4.1%)
51-4032 Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $50,330 $41,250 -$9,080 (-18%)
51-4033 Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $46,600 $49,190 +$2,590 (+5.6%)
51-4034 Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $50,190 $37,230 -$12,960 (-25.8%)
51-4035 Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $52,940 $40,820 -$12,120 (-22.9%)
51-4041 Machinists $57,390 $50,470 -$6,920 (-12.1%)
51-4081 Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $48,590 $45,670 -$2,920 (-6%)
51-4191 Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $49,030 $35,310 -$13,720 (-28%)
51-4192 Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic $65,770 $51,080 -$14,690 (-22.3%)
51-4199 Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other $45,850 $37,630 -$8,220 (-17.9%)
48.0508 Welding Technology/Welder. (Cert<1y, AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to join or cut metal surfaces. Includes instruction in arc welding, resistance welding, brazing and soldering, cutting, high-energy beam welding and cutting, solid state welding, ferrous and non-ferrous materials, oxidation-reduction reactions, welding metallurgy, welding processes and heat treating, structural design, safety, and applicable codes and standards.

Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Tennessee Avg TN vs US
51-4121 Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers $55,100 $45,150 -$9,950 (-18.1%)
51-4122 Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $49,270 $43,640 -$5,630 (-11.4%)
Health (6)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
51.0601 Dental Assisting/Assistant. (Cert<1y, AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals to provide patient care, take dental radiographs (x-ray photographs), prepare patients and equipment for dental procedures, and discharge office administrative functions under the supervision of dentists and dental hygienists. Includes instruction in medical record-keeping, general office duties, reception and patient intake, scheduling, equipment maintenance and sterilization, basic radiography, pre- and post-operative patient care and instruction, chairside assisting, taking tooth and mouth impressions, and supervised practice.

Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Tennessee Avg TN vs US
25-1071 Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary $137,900 $108,170 -$29,730 (-21.6%)
31-9091 Dental Assistants $48,860 $43,810 -$5,050 (-10.3%)
51.0805 Pharmacy Technician/Assistant. (Cert<1y, AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of pharmacists, to prepare medications, provide medications and related assistance to patients, and manage pharmacy clinical and business operations. Includes instruction in medical and pharmaceutical terminology, principles of pharmacology and pharmaceutics, drug identification, pharmacy laboratory procedures, prescription interpretation, patient communication and education, safety procedures, record-keeping, measurement and testing techniques, pharmacy business operations, prescription preparation, logistics and dispensing operations, and applicable standards and regulations.

Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Tennessee Avg TN vs US
25-1071 Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary $137,900 $108,170 -$29,730 (-21.6%)
29-2052 Pharmacy Technicians $44,800 $37,550 -$7,250 (-16.2%)
51.3901 Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training. (Cert<1y, AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals to assist in providing general nursing care under the direction of a registered nurse, physician or dentist. Includes instruction in taking patient vital signs, applying sterile dressings, patient health education, and assistance with examinations and treatment.

Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Tennessee Avg TN vs US
29-2061 Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $64,150 $51,690 -$12,460 (-19.4%)
Personal Services (2)
Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts and Personal Care
12.0401 Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, General. (Cert<1y, AltPostMSc)
A program that generally prepares individuals to cut, trim, and style scalp, facial, and body hair; apply cosmetic preparations; perform manicures and pedicures; massage the head and extremities; and prepare for practice as licensed cosmetologists in specialized or full-service salons. Includes instruction in hair cutting and styling, manicuring, pedicuring, facial treatments, shampooing, chemical applications, esthetics, shop management, sanitation and safety, customer service, and applicable professional and labor laws and regulations.

Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Tennessee Avg TN vs US
39-5012 Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $43,460 $34,240 -$9,220 (-21.2%)
39-5091 Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance $75,410 $89,300 +$13,890 (+18.4%)
39-5092 Manicurists and Pedicurists $36,910 $30,460 -$6,450 (-17.5%)
39-5093 Shampooers $30,830 $24,810 -$6,020 (-19.5%)
39-5094 Skincare Specialists $48,670 $34,110 -$14,560 (-29.9%)
Construction (2)
Building Trades, Construction Management and Skilled Crafts
46.0415 Building Construction Technology/Technician. (Assoc, AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to residential and commercial building construction and remodeling. Includes instruction in construction equipment and safety; site preparation and layout; construction estimating; blueprint reading; building codes; framing; masonry; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning; electrical and mechanical systems; interior and exterior finishing; and plumbing.

Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Tennessee Avg TN vs US
17-3022 Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians $68,450 $62,860 -$5,590 (-8.2%)
47-1011 First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers $84,500 $67,410 -$17,090 (-20.2%)
Computer & IT (3)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
11.1006 Computer Support Specialist. (Cert<1y, Assoc, AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals to provide technical assistance, support, and advice to computer users to help troubleshoot software and hardware problems. Includes instruction in computer concepts, information systems, networking, operating systems, computer hardware, the Internet, software applications, help desk concepts and problem solving, and principles of customer service.

Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Tennessee Avg TN vs US
15-1231 Computer Network Support Specialists $79,610 $85,790 +$6,180 (+7.8%)
15-1232 Computer User Support Specialists $64,990 $49,780 -$15,210 (-23.4%)
Arts (2)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
50.0402 Commercial and Advertising Art. (Cert<1y, AltPostMSc)
A program in the applied visual arts that prepares individuals to use artistic techniques to effectively communicate ideas and information to business and consumer audiences via illustrations and other forms of digital or printed media. Includes instruction in concept design, layout, paste-up, and techniques such as engraving, etching, silkscreen, lithography, offset, drawing and cartooning, painting, collage, and computer graphics.

Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Tennessee Avg TN vs US
27-1019 Artists and Related Workers, All Other $79,490 $54,250 -$25,240 (-31.8%)
27-1021 Commercial and Industrial Designers $88,000 $65,470 -$22,530 (-25.6%)
27-1024 Graphic Designers $68,610 $54,080 -$14,530 (-21.2%)
Eng. Technologies (2)
Applied Engineering Technologies and Technical Support
15.1301 Drafting and Design Technology/Technician, General. (Cert<1y, AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals to generally apply technical skills to create working drawings and computer simulations for a variety of applications. Includes instruction in specification interpretation, dimensioning techniques, drafting calculations, material estimation, technical communications, computer applications, and interpersonal communications.

Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Tennessee Avg TN vs US
17-3011 Architectural and Civil Drafters $68,860 $70,890 +$2,030 (+2.9%)
17-3012 Electrical and Electronics Drafters $77,960 $81,070 +$3,110 (+4%)
17-3013 Mechanical Drafters $74,040 $64,020 -$10,020 (-13.5%)
17-3019 Drafters, All Other $66,530 $73,880 +$7,350 (+11%)
Business (2)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
52.0402 Executive Assistant/Executive Secretary. (Cert<1y, AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals to perform the duties of special assistants and/or personal secretaries for business executives and top management. Includes instruction in business communications, principles of business law, public relations, scheduling and travel management, secretarial accounting, filing systems and records management, conference and meeting recording, report preparation, office equipment and procedures, office supervisory skills, and professional standards and legal requirements.

Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Tennessee Avg TN vs US
43-1011 First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers $71,560 $59,630 -$11,930 (-16.7%)
43-6011 Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants $77,060 $64,530 -$12,530 (-16.3%)
43-6014 Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive $47,640 $40,050 -$7,590 (-15.9%)
Security & Safety (1)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
43.0102 Corrections. (AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals to study the theories and principles, of correctional science and to function as professional corrections officers and other workers in public and/or private incarceration facilities.

Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Tennessee Avg TN vs US
25-1111 Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary $84,820 $66,210 -$18,610 (-21.9%)
33-1011 First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers $82,260 $80,920 -$1,340 (-1.6%)
33-1012 First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives $110,990 $63,690 -$47,300 (-42.6%)
33-3012 Correctional Officers and Jailers $62,760 $50,540 -$12,220 (-19.5%)

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
N/A
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
N/A
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
N/A
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
N/A
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
N/A
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
N/A
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
N/A
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
N/A
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
N/A
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
N/A
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

23%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$4,273
Avg. Loan
N/A
Avg. Federal Loan
N/A
Additional
Students with Any Grant
283
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
0
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
205
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$72
Average amount of institutional grant awarded

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

N/A
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
N/A
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
$18,692 – $53,215
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$18,692 (25th %) $53,215 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $36,829
Median Salary After 6 Years
$37,146
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$36,829
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
N/A
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
N/A
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
N/A
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Repayment by Dependency

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT), Dickson

What academic programs and degree levels does Tennessee College of Applied Technology, Dickson offer?

Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT), Dickson offers 36 academic programs across 10 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Certificate (≥2 yrs), Other Award.

Most popular program areas include:

  • Automotive Technology, Equipment Repair and Maintenance (9 programs)
  • Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (6 programs)
  • Manufacturing Technology, Quality Control and Industrial Arts (4 programs)
  • Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity (3 programs)
  • Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts and Personal Care (2 programs)

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.

What financial aid and scholarships are available at Tennessee College of Applied Technology, Dickson?

Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT), Dickson provides financial aid to 23% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $4,273 and average loans of $0.

Average financial aid amounts by type:

  • Pell grants: $4,018
  • State/Local grants: $2,246
  • Institutional grants: $72

The university supports 283 students with grants and 0 students with loans annually.

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for Tennessee College of Applied Technology, Dickson graduates?

Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT), Dickson graduates earn a median salary of $37,146 after 6 years and $36,829 after 10 years.

The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $18,692 (25th percentile) to $53,215 (75th percentile).

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.

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