The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga vs Lipscomb University: which has better ROI?
Lipscomb University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $98,956 in 13.8 years versus 20.4 years at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, on median earnings of $55,541 vs $51,151 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga | Lipscomb University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $14,265 | $24,739 |
| Total net cost | $57,060 | $98,956 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $51,151 | $55,541 |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $19,500 |
| Payback | 20.4 yrs | 13.8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$1,240 | $44,664 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga or Lipscomb University?
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, at $14,265 a year after aid versus $24,739 — a gap of $10,474 a year, or $41,896 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 Lipscomb University graduates earn more?
Lipscomb University graduates report a median $55,541 ten years after entry, $4,390 more than the $51,151 at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. 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 Lipscomb University?
Completers at both borrow a median $19,500, so neither school has the debt advantage. That figure covers federal loans of students who finished — borrowers who leave early are not counted, and private loans sit outside it.
Which graduates more of its students?
72% of students finish at Lipscomb University, against 50% at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. 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.