Middle Tennessee State University
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$38,024
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$4,941/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
7.7 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
160%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The average in-state tuition at Middle Tennessee State University is $9,506. One year after graduation, alumni earn an average of $38,819. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $39,941, and after ten years, earnings reach $48,541. The median debt for graduates is $20,000, and 31.1% of students receive financial aid.
Based on the provided data, the debt-to-income ratio for graduates is approximately 0.52. This is calculated by dividing the median debt of $20,000 by the one-year earnings of $38,819.
To calculate the break-even timeline, we can divide the median debt of $20,000 by the difference between the one-year earnings and the tuition cost. This difference is $29,313. The break-even timeline is approximately 0.68 years.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$9,506
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$39,941
Graduation Rate
54%
Receive Financial Aid
31%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | $38,024 | $38,553 | 87% |
| Psychology, General. | $38,024 | $35,287 | -85% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | $38,024 | $45,804 | 468% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $38,024 | $52,150 | 802% |
| Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management. | $38,024 | $34,004 | N/A |
| Communication and Media Studies. | $38,024 | $37,594 | 36% |
| Air Transportation. | $38,024 | $60,361 | 1234% |
| Biology, General. | $38,024 | $46,822 | 522% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | $38,024 | $42,215 | 279% |
| Journalism. | $38,024 | $0 | N/A |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | $38,024 | $46,241 | 491% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | $38,024 | $39,987 | 162% |
Peer Comparison
160%
20yr ROI
-14%
20yr ROI
240%
20yr ROI
319%
20yr ROI
221%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.