Georgia State University vs Middle Tennessee State University
Side-by-side ROI comparison using U.S. Department of Education data. Which school delivers a better financial return?
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
Middle Tennessee State University holds a 5-point ROI advantage over Georgia State University, scoring 46/100 versus 41/100. That gap reflects meaningful differences in how costs, earnings, and debt stack up for graduates of each institution.
On cost, Middle Tennessee State University comes in at $13,359 per year (net price after aid) versus $15,931 at Georgia State University - a difference of $2,572 annually, or roughly $10,288 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, Middle Tennessee State University graduates earn a median of $48,541 compared to $47,384 at Georgia State University. The payback period is 16.5 years at Georgia State University versus 14.3 years at Middle Tennessee State University.
Graduates leave Middle Tennessee State University with a median $20,000 in debt versus $20,903 at Georgia State University. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.55 and 0.59 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Georgia State University | Middle Tennessee State Un... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $8,664 | $10,266 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $24,840 | $31,574 |
| Net Price (avg) | $15,931 | $13,359 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $63,724 | $53,436 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $38,100 | $33,600 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $47,384 | $48,541 |
| Graduation Rate | 53.1% | 53.7% |
| Payback Period | 16.5 yr | 14.3 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $20,903 | $20,000 |
| Monthly Payment | $222 | $212 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.55 | 0.59 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 55.1% | 64.0% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 50.8% | 57.3% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 55.4% | 69.1% |
| Enrollment | 26,623 | 16,301 |
| SAT Range | 940-1180 | 1010-1230 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Georgia State Univer... | Middle Tennessee Sta... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $13,787 | $9,289 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $14,430 | $10,273 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $16,656 | $13,007 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $19,390 | $16,935 |
| $110,001+ | $20,305 | $19,046 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Georgia State Univer... | Middle Tennessee Sta... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | $100,582 | $96,485 |
| Registered Nursing | $87,146 | $75,061 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $82,688 | $66,701 |
| Accounting | $81,029 | $73,702 |
| Mathematics | $68,916 | $69,300 |
| Physics | $60,393 | $69,192 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $68,644 | $63,928 |
| Marketing | $67,872 | $60,217 |
| International Relations | $58,432 | $50,169 |
| Economics | $58,344 | $42,701 |
| Teacher Education, Subject-Specific | $52,410 | $57,543 |
| Biology | $52,222 | $56,659 |
| Geological and Earth Sciences | $47,111 | $56,405 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $52,857 | $55,481 |
| Teacher Education | $54,899 | $46,252 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Georgia State Univer... | Middle Tennessee Sta... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 40 | 56 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 34 | 39 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 63 | 52 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 45 | 47 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 12 | 24 |
| Overall ROI Score | 41 | 46 |
The Verdict
These two schools are closely matched on financial outcomes. Middle Tennessee State University edges out Georgia State University by 5 points (46 vs 41), but the difference is small enough that major choice and individual circumstances will matter more than the school-level ROI difference. Run the numbers for your specific situation using the calculator below.
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Georgia State University
Poor Value - Full profile and breakdown
Middle Tennessee State University
Below Average Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.