Catawba College vs. Middle Tennessee State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Catawba College in Salisbury, NC with Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Middle Tennessee State University is larger than Catawba College based on total student enrollment (20,488 students vs. 1,376 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Catawba College is located in Salisbury, NC (Distant Town setting); Middle Tennessee State University is in Murfreesboro, TN (Midsize City setting).
• Catawba College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Middle Tennessee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Catawba College 13:1; Middle Tennessee State University 17:1.

Catawba College vs. Middle Tennessee State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Catawba College or Middle Tennessee State University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Middle Tennessee State University than Catawba College ($13,859 vs. $18,447).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Middle Tennessee State University are 9.8% lower than at Catawba College ($12,242 vs. $13,565).
• Catawba College is 234.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Middle Tennessee State University (about $24,034 more per year; $34,300.00 vs. $10,266.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.6% higher at Catawba College than at Middle Tennessee State University (about $2,726 more per year; $34,300.00 vs. $31,574.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Catawba College than at Middle Tennessee State University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Catawba College students is 188.9% larger than aid received by Middle Tennessee State University students ($30,808 vs. $10,665).

Catawba College vs. Middle Tennessee State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Catawba College or Middle Tennessee State University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Middle Tennessee State University and Catawba College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Catawba College (1170) is 50 points higher than at Middle Tennessee State University (1120).
• Incoming Middle Tennessee State University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at Catawba College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Catawba College 1030/1300; Middle Tennessee State University 1010/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Catawba College 17/25; Middle Tennessee State University 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Catawba College - Test optional; Middle Tennessee State University - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Catawba College Aug 15, 2027; Middle Tennessee State University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Catawba College students have the same average high school GPA (3.64) as students at Middle Tennessee State University (3.64).
• Catawba College has a higher acceptance rate (75.2%) than Middle Tennessee State University (69.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.5% at Catawba College vs. 30.4% at Middle Tennessee State University.

Catawba College vs. Middle Tennessee State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Catawba College and Middle Tennessee State University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Catawba College's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than Middle Tennessee State University's (45%).
• Graduates from Middle Tennessee State University earn a median of about $300 more per year than Catawba College graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,300 vs. $42,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Middle Tennessee State University graduates have a $3,242 lower median loan debt than Catawba College graduates ($21,758 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Middle Tennessee State University graduates have an estimated $34 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Catawba College graduates ($224 vs. $258).
• More Catawba College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Middle Tennessee State University students, three years after graduation. (60% vs. 50%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.