Degree Dividend
Sourced from federal dataEvery figure datedNo rankings for sale

Middle Tennessee State University vs University of Memphis: which has better ROI?

Public, Murfreesboro TN · vs · Public, Memphis TN

The verdict

Middle Tennessee State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $53,436 in 295.2 years versus 506 years at University of Memphis, on median earnings of $48,541 vs $48,458 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

Head to head
MeasureMiddle Tennessee State UniversityUniversity of Memphis
Net price / yr$13,359$12,397
Total net cost$53,436$49,588
Median earnings, 10 yrs$48,541$48,458
Median debt$20,000$23,300
Payback295.2 yrs506 yrs
20-year net return$-49,816$-47,628

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