Middle Tennessee State University's published cost of attendance is $22,754 per year, including $9,506 in-state tuition, $11,704 for room and board, and $1,260 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face $29,042 in tuition.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $24,289 |
| Tuition and Fees | $31,574 |
| Room and Board | $12,242 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,260 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$10,930 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $13,359 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $9,289 |
| $30–48k | $10,273 |
| $48–75k | $13,007 |
| $75–110k | $16,935 |
| $110k+ | $19,046 |
Middle Tennessee State University's published cost of attendance is $22,754 per year, including $9,506 in-state tuition, $11,704 for room and board, and $1,260 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face $29,042 in tuition. However, the average student pays just $12,599 after financial aid, representing savings of $10,155 from the sticker price.
This net price places MTSU $2,991 below the peer median of $15,590, creating meaningful cost advantages for students and families. The university demonstrates strong affordability performance, ranking at the 81.6th percentile nationally for affordability index scores. Financial aid effectiveness varies significantly by family income, with the lowest-income families receiving the most substantial support.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Middle Tennessee State University graduates carry a median debt of $20,000, matching the peer median exactly and ranking at the 70th percentile nationally for debt levels. Debt ranges from $5,500 at the 25th percentile to $26,532 at the 75th percentile, showing controlled borrowing across the student population.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41 indicates manageable debt levels relative to post-graduation income, supporting sustainable repayment for most graduates. Parent PLUS borrowers carry a median debt of $13,500 with monthly payments of $178, representing additional family investment in education.
The combination of $20,000 median debt and $48,541 median earnings creates favorable conditions for loan repayment, particularly given the university's strong value-added earnings performance. Debt levels remain controlled despite the university's accessible admission standards and diverse student population, indicating effective financial aid counseling and student borrowing management.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Middle Tennessee State University demonstrates strong return on educational investment through its earnings beyond expectations performance. Graduates earn $5,334 above predicted levels based on their demographic profiles, ranking at the 74.9th percentile nationally for value-added outcomes.
This uplift performance, combined with debt levels matching peer institutions and net prices $2,991 below peer medians, creates favorable investment conditions. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41 supports manageable repayment timelines, while the 21.5% earnings growth from six to ten years indicates continued career advancement.
MTSU's investment profile particularly benefits students from diverse economic backgrounds, with low-income graduates earning $41,700 and strong mobility outcomes supporting long-term financial advancement. The university's combination of accessible costs, controlled debt levels, and earnings beyond expectations creates positive return conditions for graduates across academic programs.
Middle Tennessee State University enrolls 31.4% Pell-eligible students, indicating substantial representation of lower-income families who receive federal need-based aid. The $10,155 difference between sticker price and average net cost demonstrates effective financial aid distribution across the student body.
Net prices by income tier show progressive aid targeting, with the lowest-income families receiving nearly $14,400 in effective aid compared to sticker price. This aid concentration supports educational access for first-generation students (36.4%) and creates pathways for economic mobility.
The university's financial aid profile aligns with its Opportunity Builder designation, combining accessible pricing with outcomes that advance student economic prospects. Aid effectiveness particularly benefits lower-income students while maintaining reasonable costs for middle-income families, supporting the diverse student composition that drives MTSU's strong mobility outcomes.
