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

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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

Location: 100 White Bridge Rd, Nashville, Tennessee, 37209, USA
Unit ID: 248925

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 large city (population of 250,000 or more)
Tuition: Not available
Student Profile:
Total Students: 1,171
Undergraduate: 730
Graduate/Other: 441
Male: 798 Female: 373
Applications:
Total Applicants: Not available
Admitted: Not available
Enrolled: Not available
Staff:
Total: 108 Full-time: 71 Part-time: 37

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.

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 (10)
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%)
47.0603 Autobody/Collision and Repair Technology/Technician. (Cert<1y, AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, reconstruct and finish automobile bodies, fenders, and external features. Includes instruction in structure analysis, damage repair, non-structural analysis, mechanical and electrical components, plastics and adhesives, painting and refinishing techniques, and damage analysis and estimating.

Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee

Average graduate salary for this degree:
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)
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%)
47.0607 Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology/Technician. (Cert<1y, Assoc)
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, service, and maintain all aircraft components other than engines, propellers, avionics, and instruments. Includes instruction in layout and fabrication of sheet metal, fabric, wood, and other materials into structural members, parts, and fittings, and replacement of damaged or worn parts such as control cables and hydraulic units.

Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee

Average graduate salary for this degree:
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)
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%)
12.0409 Aesthetician/Esthetician and Skin Care Specialist. (AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals to cleanse, depilate, massage, and beautify the human body and to function as licensed estheticians and skin care specialists. Includes instruction in skin anatomy, physiology, and health; principles of nutrition; decontamination and infection control; health and safety; facial and body massage; body wrapping and spa treatments; temporary hair removal including waxing and tweezing; color and skin analysis; client consultation and care; applicable laws and regulations; business practices; and sometimes related alternative healing regimens.

Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee

Average graduate salary for this degree:
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)
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%)
51.0603 Dental Laboratory Technology/Technician. (Cert<1y, AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of dentists, to design and construct dental prostheses such as caps, crowns, bridges, dentures, splints, and orthodontic appliances. Includes instruction in dental anatomy, dental materials, ceramics technology, impressions, complete dentures, partial dentures, orthodontics, crowns and bridges, sculpture, bonding and assembly techniques, and equipment operation.

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%)
51-9081 Dental Laboratory Technicians $54,060 $51,030 -$3,030 (-5.6%)
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%)
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%)
Eng. Technologies (4)
Applied Engineering Technologies and Technical Support
15.0613 Manufacturing Engineering Technology/Technician. (Assoc, AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills to the identification and resolution of production problems in the manufacture of products. Includes instruction in machine operations, production line operations, engineering analysis, systems analysis, instrumentation, physical controls, automation, computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), manufacturing planning, quality control, and informational infrastructure.

Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee

Average graduate salary for this degree:
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)
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%)
Computer & IT (2)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
11.1006 Computer Support Specialist. (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%)
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%)
Human Sciences (2)
Family Studies, Consumer Sciences and Human Development
19.0709 Child Care Provider/Assistant. (Cert<1y, AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals to be primary providers of home, family, residential, or institutional-based child care services. Includes instruction in child growth and development, nutrition, recreation, planning and supervision of play and learning activities, child abuse and neglect prevention, parent-child relationships, and applicable legal and administrative requirements.

Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee

Average graduate salary for this degree:
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)
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%)

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

18%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$5,022
Avg. Loan
N/A
Avg. Federal Loan
N/A
Additional
Students with Any Grant
233
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
135
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$650
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
$18,259 – $58,200
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$18,259 (25th %) $58,200 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $38,955
Median Salary After 6 Years
$32,371
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$38,955
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
37.5%
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
Low 25.0%
Repayment by Dependency

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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