Georgia State University vs Middle Tennessee State University
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, Middle Tennessee State University comes out ahead: 46/100 to 41/100, a 5-point edge over Georgia State University. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Middle Tennessee State University runs $13,359 a year against $15,931 at Georgia State University - $2,572 more a year, or about $10,288 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Middle Tennessee State University graduates earn a median $48,541 against $47,384 at Georgia State University. The cost earns itself back in 16.5 years at Georgia State University and 14.3 years at Middle Tennessee State University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Middle Tennessee State University owing a median $20,000 versus $20,903 at Georgia State University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.55 and 0.59 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
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
It's close. Middle Tennessee State University edges out Georgia State University by 5 points (46 vs 41), but that's slim enough that your major and your own aid offers will decide this more than the ROI score does. Run your actual numbers in the calculator below before you call it.
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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.