ETSU vs. Middle Tennessee State University

Comparable Facts

Compare East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, TN 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 ETSU based on total student enrollment (20,488 students vs. 13,728 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• East Tennessee State University is located in Johnson City, TN (Small City setting); Middle Tennessee State University is in Murfreesboro, TN (Midsize City setting).
• East Tennessee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Middle Tennessee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: East Tennessee State University 15:1; Middle Tennessee State University 17:1.

ETSU vs. Middle Tennessee State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ETSU 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 ETSU ($13,859 vs. $16,286).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at East Tennessee State University are 13.8% lower than at Middle Tennessee State University ($10,554 vs. $12,242).
• East Tennessee State University is 2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Middle Tennessee State University (about $206 more per year; $10,472.00 vs. $10,266.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 117.4% higher at Middle Tennessee State University than at East Tennessee State University (about $17,052 more per year; $31,574.00 vs. $14,522.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Middle Tennessee State University than at East Tennessee State University (94% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Middle Tennessee State University students is 5.6% larger than aid received by East Tennessee State University students ($10,665 vs. $10,101).

ETSU vs. Middle Tennessee State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ETSU 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 ETSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Middle Tennessee State University (1120) is 30 points higher than at ETSU (1090).
• Incoming Middle Tennessee State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at ETSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: East Tennessee State University 980/1200; Middle Tennessee State University 1010/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: East Tennessee State University 19/26; Middle Tennessee State University 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ETSU - Test optional; Middle Tennessee State University - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Middle Tennessee State University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Middle Tennessee State University students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.64) than students at ETSU (3.33).
• ETSU has a higher acceptance rate (86.2%) than Middle Tennessee State University (69.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.7% at ETSU vs. 30.4% at Middle Tennessee State University.

ETSU vs. Middle Tennessee State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ETSU 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).

• Middle Tennessee State University's six-year graduation rate (45%) is higher than East Tennessee State University's (44%).
• Graduates from Middle Tennessee State University earn a median of about $2,300 more per year than ETSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,300 vs. $40,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, East Tennessee State University graduates have a $1,258 lower median loan debt than Middle Tennessee State University graduates ($20,500 vs. $21,758).
• Among borrowers, ETSU graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Middle Tennessee State University graduates ($211 vs. $224).
• More Middle Tennessee State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former ETSU students, three years after graduation. (50% 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.