University of Memphis vs The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga: 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 506 years at University of Memphis, on median earnings of $51,151 vs $48,458 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Memphis | The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $12,397 | $14,265 |
| Total net cost | $49,588 | $57,060 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $48,458 | $51,151 |
| Median debt | $23,300 | $19,500 |
| Payback | 506 yrs | 20.4 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$47,628 | -$1,240 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Memphis or The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga?
University of Memphis, at $12,397 a year after aid versus $14,265 — a gap of $1,868 a year, or $7,472 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do University of Memphis or The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga graduates earn more?
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga graduates report a median $51,151 ten years after entry, $2,693 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, University of Memphis or The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga?
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga: its completers carry a median $19,500 in federal loans versus $23,300 at University of Memphis, a difference of $3,800. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
51% of students finish at University of Memphis, 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.