The University of Tennessee-Knoxville vs Middle Tennessee State University: which has better ROI?
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $75,904 in 6.4 years versus 295.2 years at Middle Tennessee State University, on median earnings of $60,249 vs $48,541 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | The University of Tennessee-Knoxville | Middle Tennessee State University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $18,976 | $13,359 |
| Total net cost | $75,904 | $53,436 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $60,249 | $48,541 |
| Median debt | $20,500 | $20,000 |
| Payback | 6.4 yrs | 295.2 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $161,876 | -$49,816 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville or Middle Tennessee State University?
Middle Tennessee State University, at $13,359 a year after aid versus $18,976 — a gap of $5,617 a year, or $22,468 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-Knoxville or Middle Tennessee State University graduates earn more?
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville graduates report a median $60,249 ten years after entry, $11,708 more than the $48,541 at Middle Tennessee State 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-Knoxville or Middle Tennessee State University?
Middle Tennessee State University: its completers carry a median $20,000 in federal loans versus $20,500 at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, 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?
74% of students finish at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, against 54% at Middle Tennessee State 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.