Middle Tennessee State University vs The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga: which has better ROI?
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $57,060 in 20.4 years versus 295.2 years at Middle Tennessee State University, on median earnings of $51,151 vs $48,541 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Middle Tennessee State University | The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $13,359 | $14,265 |
| Total net cost | $53,436 | $57,060 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $48,541 | $51,151 |
| Median debt | $20,000 | $19,500 |
| Payback | 295.2 yrs | 20.4 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$49,816 | -$1,240 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Middle Tennessee State University or The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga?
Middle Tennessee State University, at $13,359 a year after aid versus $14,265 — a gap of $906 a year, or $3,624 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 The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga graduates earn more?
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga graduates report a median $51,151 ten years after entry, $2,610 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 The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga?
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga: its completers carry a median $19,500 in federal loans versus $20,000 at Middle Tennessee State University, a difference of $500. 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 The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. 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.