The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga vs Lincoln Memorial University: 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 51.1 years at Lincoln Memorial University, on median earnings of $51,151 vs $49,956 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga | Lincoln Memorial University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $14,265 | $20,406 |
| Total net cost | $57,060 | $81,624 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $51,151 | $49,956 |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $20,000 |
| Payback | 20.4 yrs | 51.1 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$1,240 | -$49,704 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga or Lincoln Memorial University?
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, at $14,265 a year after aid versus $20,406 — a gap of $6,141 a year, or $24,564 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga or Lincoln Memorial University graduates earn more?
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga graduates report a median $51,151 ten years after entry, $1,195 more than the $49,956 at Lincoln Memorial 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, The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga or Lincoln Memorial University?
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga: its completers carry a median $19,500 in federal loans versus $20,000 at Lincoln Memorial 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?
50% of students finish at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, 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.