Middle Tennessee State University vs University of Memphis: which has better ROI?
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.)
| Measure | Middle Tennessee State University | University 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 |
| Payback | 295.2 yrs | 506 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$49,816 | -$47,628 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Middle Tennessee State University or University of Memphis?
University of Memphis, at $12,397 a year after aid versus $13,359 — a gap of $962 a year, or $3,848 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 University of Memphis graduates earn more?
Middle Tennessee State University graduates report a median $48,541 ten years after entry, $83 more than the $48,458 at University of Memphis. 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 University of Memphis?
Middle Tennessee State University: its completers carry a median $20,000 in federal loans versus $23,300 at University of Memphis, a difference of $3,300. 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 51% at University of Memphis. 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.