Middle Tennessee State University vs Lincoln Memorial University: which has better ROI?
Lincoln Memorial University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $81,624 in 51.1 years versus 295.2 years at Middle Tennessee State University, on median earnings of $49,956 vs $48,541 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Middle Tennessee State University | Lincoln Memorial University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $13,359 | $20,406 |
| Total net cost | $53,436 | $81,624 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $48,541 | $49,956 |
| Median debt | $20,000 | $20,000 |
| Payback | 295.2 yrs | 51.1 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$49,816 | -$49,704 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Middle Tennessee State University or Lincoln Memorial University?
Middle Tennessee State University, at $13,359 a year after aid versus $20,406 — a gap of $7,047 a year, or $28,188 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Middle Tennessee State University or Lincoln Memorial University graduates earn more?
Lincoln Memorial University graduates report a median $49,956 ten years after entry, $1,415 more than the $48,541 at Middle Tennessee State University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Middle Tennessee State University or Lincoln Memorial University?
Completers at both borrow a median $20,000, so neither school has the debt advantage. That figure covers federal loans of students who finished — borrowers who leave early are not counted, and private loans sit outside it.
Which graduates more of its students?
54% of students finish at Middle Tennessee State University, against 50% at Lincoln Memorial University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.