Tennessee College of Applied Technology Nashville (TCAT) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Tennessee College of Applied Technology Nashville
In Music City, Tennessee College of Applied Technology Nashville is known for hands-on learning that keeps pace with the workplace. Students train in labs and shops that mirror job sites, led by instructors with industry experience. Coursework centers on problem solving and safety across skilled trades, health fields, transportation, IT, and design. Support includes tutoring, advising, and career coaching.
Campus life is practical and close-knit. Expect student projects, skills showcases, and employer talks, plus access to Nashville's music, parks, and food. The culture values reliability, teamwork, and getting things done. Career prep is a clear focus, with employer connections, apprenticeships when they fit, and help with certifications and job searches. Distinct touches include flexible scheduling and faculty with real-world credibility. It's straightforward, no fluff, and that's exactly the point.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects
Explore degree programs offered at Tennessee College of Applied Technology Nashville (TCAT) 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.
Mechanics (10)
Automotive Technology, Equipment Repair and Maintenance
47.0201
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician.
(Cert<1y, AltPostMSc)
Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee
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%) |
47.0603
Autobody/Collision and Repair Technology/Technician.
(Cert<1y, AltPostMSc)
Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Tennessee Avg | TN vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
13-1032 | Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage | $77,050 | $76,720 | -$330 (-0.4%) |
49-3021 | Automotive Body and Related Repairers | $58,830 | $46,270 | -$12,560 (-21.3%) |
49-3022 | Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers | $49,580 | $47,860 | -$1,720 (-3.5%) |
51-9124 | Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $51,610 | $44,760 | -$6,850 (-13.3%) |
47.0604
Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician.
(Assoc, AltPostMSc)
Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee
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)
Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee
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%) |
47.0607
Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology/Technician.
(Cert<1y, Assoc)
Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Tennessee Avg | TN vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
49-3011 | Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $80,780 | $67,490 | -$13,290 (-16.5%) |
51-2011 | Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers | $66,510 | $56,030 | -$10,480 (-15.8%) |
Personal Services (3)
Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts and Personal Care
12.0401
Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, General.
(Cert<1y, AltPostMSc)
Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee
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%) |
12.0409
Aesthetician/Esthetician and Skin Care Specialist.
(AltPostMSc)
Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Tennessee Avg | TN vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
39-5094 | Skincare Specialists | $48,670 | $34,110 | -$14,560 (-29.9%) |
Health (6)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
51.0601
Dental Assisting/Assistant.
(Cert<1y, AltPostMSc)
Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee
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%) |
51.0603
Dental Laboratory Technology/Technician.
(Cert<1y, AltPostMSc)
Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Tennessee Avg | TN vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1071 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $137,900 | $108,170 | -$29,730 (-21.6%) |
51-9081 | Dental Laboratory Technicians | $54,060 | $51,030 | -$3,030 (-5.6%) |
51.3901
Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training.
(Cert<1y, AltPostMSc)
Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee
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%) |
Production (4)
Manufacturing Technology, Quality Control and Industrial Arts
48.0501
Machine Tool Technology/Machinist.
(Cert<1y, AltPostMSc)
Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee
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)
Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee
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%) |
Eng. Technologies (4)
Applied Engineering Technologies and Technical Support
15.0613
Manufacturing Engineering Technology/Technician.
(Assoc, AltPostMSc)
Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Tennessee Avg | TN vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
17-3026 | Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $69,780 | $59,390 | -$10,390 (-14.9%) |
15.1301
Drafting and Design Technology/Technician, General.
(Cert<1y, AltPostMSc)
Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee
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%) |
Computer & IT (2)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
11.1006
Computer Support Specialist.
(Assoc, AltPostMSc)
Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee
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%) |
Construction (2)
Building Trades, Construction Management and Skilled Crafts
46.0415
Building Construction Technology/Technician.
(Assoc, AltPostMSc)
Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee
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%) |
Human Sciences (2)
Family Studies, Consumer Sciences and Human Development
19.0709
Child Care Provider/Assistant.
(Cert<1y, AltPostMSc)
Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Tennessee Avg | TN vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
39-9011 | Childcare Workers | $33,140 | $26,390 | -$6,750 (-20.4%) |
Business (2)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
52.0402
Executive Assistant/Executive Secretary.
(Cert<1y, AltPostMSc)
Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee
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%) |
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Tennessee College of Applied Technology Nashville (TCAT)
What academic programs and degree levels does Tennessee College of Applied Technology Nashville offer?
Tennessee College of Applied Technology Nashville (TCAT) offers 38 academic programs across 9 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 (10 programs)
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (6 programs)
- Applied Engineering Technologies and Technical Support (4 programs)
- Manufacturing Technology, Quality Control and Industrial Arts (4 programs)
- Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts and Personal Care (3 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 Nashville?
Tennessee College of Applied Technology Nashville (TCAT) provides financial aid to 18% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $5,022 and average loans of $0.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $4,219
- State/Local grants: $2,677
- Institutional grants: $650
The university supports 233 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 Nashville graduates?
Tennessee College of Applied Technology Nashville (TCAT) graduates earn a median salary of $32,371 after 6 years and $38,955 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $18,259 (25th percentile) to $58,200 (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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