College Costs in Murfreesboro, TN 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 10 colleges in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,312
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$43,809
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,003
per month
Colleges & Universities
10
institutions
Murfreesboro Overview
Population
152,769
Student Population
12,170 (8.0%)
Cost of Living Index
91 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
63/100
Transit Score
21/100
Unemployment Rate
5.4%
College Cost Calculator for Murfreesboro
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$93,032
Total After Financial Aid
$93,032
Annual Cost
$23,258
Annual After Aid
$23,258
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $93,032 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,056 |
| Total Interest | $33,731 |
| Total Loan Cost | $126,763 |
Universities in Murfreesboro
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Middle Tennessee State University | Public | $9,312 |
| Motlow State Community College | Community | $4,320 |
Murfreesboro has 10 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Murfreesboro vs. National Average
| Category | Murfreesboro | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,312 | $10,940 | -$1,628 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,003 | $1,050 | -$47 |
| Cost of Living Index | 91 | 100 | -9 |
Murfreesboro's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in Murfreesboro
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
12,170 students
Murfreesboro has a total population of 152,769, with approximately 12,170 college students (8.0% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Murfreesboro offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Murfreesboro
$50,263
Starting Salary
5.4%
Unemployment Rate
53%
Graduation Rate
~6 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Murfreesboro earn a median starting salary of $50,263, which is $15,263 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $93,032 (including room and board), it would take approximately 6 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $16,072 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Tennessee
Nashville
35 colleges · Avg tuition $9,312
Memphis
22 colleges · Avg tuition $9,944
Knoxville
5 colleges · Avg tuition $8,792
Chattanooga
5 colleges · Avg tuition $9,648
Clarksville
9 colleges · Avg tuition $9,312
Johnson City
6 colleges · Avg tuition $9,312
Cookeville
4 colleges · Avg tuition $9,312
Sewanee
3 colleges · Avg tuition $11,397
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