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Middle Tennessee State University vs Maryville College: which has better ROI?

Public, Murfreesboro TN · vs · Private nonprofit, Maryville TN

The verdict

Maryville College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $77,440 in 84.3 years versus 295.2 years at Middle Tennessee State University, on median earnings of $49,279 vs $48,541 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureMiddle Tennessee State UniversityMaryville College
Net price / yr$13,359$19,360
Total net cost$53,436$77,440
Median earnings, 10 yrs$48,541$49,279
Median debt$20,000$25,375
Payback295.2 yrs84.3 yrs
20-year net return-$49,816-$59,060

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Middle Tennessee State University or Maryville College?

Middle Tennessee State University, at $13,359 a year after aid versus $19,360 — a gap of $6,001 a year, or $24,004 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 Maryville College graduates earn more?

Maryville College graduates report a median $49,279 ten years after entry, $738 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 Maryville College?

Middle Tennessee State University: its completers carry a median $20,000 in federal loans versus $25,375 at Maryville College, a difference of $5,375. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

54% of students finish at Middle Tennessee State University, against 50% at Maryville College. 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.

Middle Tennessee State University vs Maryville College: frequently asked questions

Is Middle Tennessee State University or Maryville College a better value?
Maryville College. It clears its $77,440 net cost in about 84.3 years versus 295.2 years at Middle Tennessee State University, on median earnings of $49,279 vs $48,541 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Middle Tennessee State University or Maryville College?
Middle Tennessee State University: $13,359/yr net price after aid versus $19,360/yr at Maryville College — a difference of $6,001 a year, or about $24,004 over four years.
Do Middle Tennessee State University or Maryville College graduates earn more?
Maryville College graduates earn a median $49,279 ten years after entry, versus $48,541 at Middle Tennessee State University — a $738 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.