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Tennessee Technological University vs Lincoln Memorial University: which has better ROI?

Public, Cookeville TN · vs · Private nonprofit, Harrogate TN

The verdict

Lincoln Memorial University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $81,624 in 51.1 years versus 404.1 years at Tennessee Technological University, on median earnings of $49,956 vs $48,501 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureTennessee Technological UniversityLincoln Memorial University
Net price / yr$14,246$20,406
Total net cost$56,984$81,624
Median earnings, 10 yrs$48,501$49,956
Median debt$15,650$20,000
Payback404.1 yrs51.1 yrs
20-year net return-$54,164-$49,704

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

Which is cheaper, Tennessee Technological University or Lincoln Memorial University?

Tennessee Technological University, at $14,246 a year after aid versus $20,406 — a gap of $6,160 a year, or $24,640 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Tennessee Technological University or Lincoln Memorial University graduates earn more?

Lincoln Memorial University graduates report a median $49,956 ten years after entry, $1,455 more than the $48,501 at Tennessee Technological 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, Tennessee Technological University or Lincoln Memorial University?

Tennessee Technological University: its completers carry a median $15,650 in federal loans versus $20,000 at Lincoln Memorial University, a difference of $4,350. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

58% of students finish at Tennessee Technological University, against 50% at Lincoln Memorial 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.

Tennessee Technological University vs Lincoln Memorial University: frequently asked questions

Is Tennessee Technological University or Lincoln Memorial University a better value?
Lincoln Memorial University. It clears its $81,624 net cost in about 51.1 years versus 404.1 years at Tennessee Technological University, on median earnings of $49,956 vs $48,501 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Tennessee Technological University or Lincoln Memorial University?
Tennessee Technological University: $14,246/yr net price after aid versus $20,406/yr at Lincoln Memorial University — a difference of $6,160 a year, or about $24,640 over four years.
Do Tennessee Technological University or Lincoln Memorial University graduates earn more?
Lincoln Memorial University graduates earn a median $49,956 ten years after entry, versus $48,501 at Tennessee Technological University — a $1,455 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.