At $12,599/yr net price, Middle Tennessee State University graduates earn $48,541/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $14,541/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,599 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $50,396 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,541/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$14,541/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 54.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,371/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,462/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,840/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,052/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,620/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $85,760 | $39,834 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $67,101 | $27,500 |
| Construction Management. | Bachelor | $66,541 | $17,000 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Master | $66,104 | $20,750 |
| Psychology, General. | Master | $59,485 | $31,136 |
| Engineering-Related Fields. | Bachelor | $58,943 | $19,402 |
| Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other. | Master | $57,995 | $24,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $57,860 | $20,500 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $55,061 | $25,696 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $54,192 | $21,198 |
The Risk Factor
54.0% of students at Middle Tennessee State University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Middle Tennessee State University delivers solid financial value with a low net price of $12,599 annually and relatively modest debt loads, though your graduation odds sit at just 54%.
The nursing program stands out as your best financial bet, with graduates earning $85,760 annually despite higher debt of $39,834. Construction management offers strong value with $66,541 earnings against only $17,000 in debt. Business administration and computer science both clear $66,000 in median earnings with reasonable debt levels.
Your biggest risk at MTSU is not graduating at all. The 54% graduation rate means nearly half of students leave without a degree but potentially with debt. The 77% retention rate suggests many students struggle after freshman year.
MTSU works best if you're cost-conscious and can handle the academic demands to actually finish. The combination of low tuition and strong regional job connections in Nashville makes this a smart choice for motivated students. Tennessee residents get particular value given the already-low in-state pricing.
Avoid MTSU if you need extensive academic support or prefer smaller class environments that boost graduation chances. The financial advantages disappear if you don't complete your degree. Students uncertain about their major should consider the risk of extending time to graduation, which would increase total costs and delay earning potential.
Only 31% of students receive financial aid, suggesting merit opportunities may be limited. Focus on graduating within four years to maximize the strong cost-to-earnings ratio this school offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Middle Tennessee State University worth the cost?
Middle Tennessee State University offers decent value with a net price of $12,599 and median debt of $20,000, but the 10-year earnings of $48,541 are below national averages. The 54% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish, which significantly hurts ROI for those who don't graduate.
What are the highest paying programs at Middle Tennessee State University?
Nursing programs at MTSU offer the best ROI with graduates earning around $85,760 annually. Business administration ($67,101) and construction management ($66,541) also provide solid returns that justify the investment.
How much debt do Middle Tennessee State University graduates typically have?
MTSU graduates carry a median debt of $20,000, which is manageable compared to national averages. However, this assumes you graduate - the 54% graduation rate means many students accumulate debt without earning a degree.
Does Middle Tennessee State University have good financial aid?
The net price of $12,599 per year suggests decent financial aid availability, making MTSU affordable for in-state students. This relatively low cost helps offset the below-average post-graduation earnings for many programs.