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Middle Tennessee State University vs Trevecca Nazarene University: which has better ROI?

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

The verdict

Trevecca Nazarene University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $67,252 in 66.1 years versus 295.2 years at Middle Tennessee State University, on median earnings of $49,378 vs $48,541 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureMiddle Tennessee State UniversityTrevecca Nazarene University
Net price / yr$13,359$16,813
Total net cost$53,436$67,252
Median earnings, 10 yrs$48,541$49,378
Median debt$20,000$18,744
Payback295.2 yrs66.1 yrs
20-year net return-$49,816-$46,892

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

Which is cheaper, Middle Tennessee State University or Trevecca Nazarene University?

Middle Tennessee State University, at $13,359 a year after aid versus $16,813 — a gap of $3,454 a year, or $13,816 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 Trevecca Nazarene University graduates earn more?

Trevecca Nazarene University graduates report a median $49,378 ten years after entry, $837 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 Trevecca Nazarene University?

Trevecca Nazarene University: its completers carry a median $18,744 in federal loans versus $20,000 at Middle Tennessee State University, a difference of $1,256. 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 53% at Trevecca Nazarene 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.

Middle Tennessee State University vs Trevecca Nazarene University: frequently asked questions

Is Middle Tennessee State University or Trevecca Nazarene University a better value?
Trevecca Nazarene University. It clears its $67,252 net cost in about 66.1 years versus 295.2 years at Middle Tennessee State University, on median earnings of $49,378 vs $48,541 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Middle Tennessee State University or Trevecca Nazarene University?
Middle Tennessee State University: $13,359/yr net price after aid versus $16,813/yr at Trevecca Nazarene University — a difference of $3,454 a year, or about $13,816 over four years.
Do Middle Tennessee State University or Trevecca Nazarene University graduates earn more?
Trevecca Nazarene University graduates earn a median $49,378 ten years after entry, versus $48,541 at Middle Tennessee State University — a $837 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.