Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, Tennessee · Public · 69.1% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 46/100 · Below Average Value
Middle Tennessee State University
Below Average ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $10,266/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $31,574/yr |
| Average net price | $13,359/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $53,436 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,541 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $33,600 |
| Median debt at graduation | $20,000 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $212 |
| Estimated payback period | 14.3 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 53.7% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 16,301 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,289 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,273 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,007 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,935 |
| $110,001+ | $19,046 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Middle Tennessee State University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $49,997 | C |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $63,928 | B |
| Psychology | $43,826 | C |
| Air Transportation | $80,424 | C+ |
| Music | $43,999 | D |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $55,481 | C |
| Biology | $56,659 | C |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $48,608 | D |
| Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management | $46,349 | D |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | $37,274 | C |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Middle Tennessee State University is $10,266/year ($31,574/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $13,359/year, or roughly $53,436 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $9,289/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $19,046/year.
The median graduate leaves with $20,000 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $212 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $48,541 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.59 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 58.0% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 64.0% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 57.3% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 63.8% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 69.1% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 490-600 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 520-630 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 20-26 |
| Enrollment | 16,301 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 31.8% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $9,739 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Middle Tennessee State University (this school) | 46 | $13,359 | $48,541 |
| University of North Georgia | 61 | $9,823 | $50,135 |
| Mississippi State University | 54 | $17,595 | $51,513 |
| Miami University-Oxford | 54 | $28,384 | $55,076 |
| Austin Peay State University | 36 | $9,735 | $44,301 |
| East Tennessee State University | 35 | $15,983 | $44,859 |
The Verdict: Proceed With Caution
The financial case for Middle Tennessee State University is mixed. At $13,359 per year net cost, graduates earn a median of $48,541 ten years after entry - a payback period of 14.3 years. That's below the average return for four-year institutions, and prospective students should carefully consider whether the investment aligns with their financial goals.
Areas of concern include concerning loan repayment rates and a long payback period.
Median debt of $20,000 against $48,541 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.