Middle Tennessee State University vs. RU

Comparable Facts

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

Middle Tennessee State University is larger than RU based on total student enrollment (20,488 students vs. 7,812 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Middle Tennessee State University is located in Murfreesboro, TN (Midsize City setting); Radford University is in Radford, VA (Distant Town setting).
• Middle Tennessee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Radford University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Middle Tennessee State University 17:1; Radford University 14:1.

Middle Tennessee State University vs. RU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Middle Tennessee State University or RU? 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 RU ($13,859 vs. $16,749).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Middle Tennessee State University are 2.1% lower than at Radford University ($12,242 vs. $12,504).
• Radford University is 22.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Middle Tennessee State University (about $2,282 more per year; $12,548.00 vs. $10,266.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.2% higher at Middle Tennessee State University than at Radford University (about $5,941 more per year; $31,574.00 vs. $25,633.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Middle Tennessee State University as at Radford University (94% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Radford University students is 11.3% larger than aid received by Middle Tennessee State University students ($11,870 vs. $10,665).

Middle Tennessee State University vs. RU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Middle Tennessee State University or RU? 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 RU and Middle Tennessee State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Middle Tennessee State University (1120) is 70 points higher than at RU (1050).
• Incoming Middle Tennessee State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at RU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Middle Tennessee State University 1010/1230; Radford University 940/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Middle Tennessee State University 20/26; Radford University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Middle Tennessee State University - Required; RU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Middle Tennessee State University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Middle Tennessee State University students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.64) than students at RU (3.31).
• RU has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Middle Tennessee State University (69.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.4% at Middle Tennessee State University vs. 14.4% at RU.

Middle Tennessee State University vs. RU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Middle Tennessee State University and RU? 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).

• Radford University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Middle Tennessee State University's (45%).
• Graduates from Radford University earn a median of about $5,100 more per year than Middle Tennessee State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,400 vs. $42,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Middle Tennessee State University graduates have a $1,242 lower median loan debt than RU graduates ($21,758 vs. $23,000).
• Among borrowers, Middle Tennessee State University graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than RU graduates ($224 vs. $237).
• More RU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Middle Tennessee State University students, three years after graduation. (70% 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.