Middle Tennessee State University vs. Sewanee

Comparable Facts

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

Middle Tennessee State University is larger than Sewanee based on total student enrollment (20,488 students vs. 1,724 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Middle Tennessee State University is located in Murfreesboro, TN (Midsize City setting); The University of the South is in Sewanee, TN (Distant Rural setting).
• Middle Tennessee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. The University of the South is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Middle Tennessee State University 17:1; The University of the South 9:1.

Middle Tennessee State University vs. Sewanee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Middle Tennessee State University or Sewanee? 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 Sewanee ($13,859 vs. $34,815).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Middle Tennessee State University are 23.6% lower than at The University of the South ($12,242 vs. $16,028).
• The University of the South is 446.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Middle Tennessee State University (about $45,854 more per year; $56,120.00 vs. $10,266.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 77.7% higher at Sewanee than at Middle Tennessee State University (about $24,546 more per year; $56,120.00 vs. $31,574.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at The University of the South than at Middle Tennessee State University (98% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by The University of the South students is 248.5% larger than aid received by Middle Tennessee State University students ($37,171 vs. $10,665).

Middle Tennessee State University vs. Sewanee Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at The University of the South (1330) is 210 points higher than at Middle Tennessee State University (1120).
• Incoming Sewanee students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 23 at Middle Tennessee State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Middle Tennessee State University 1010/1230; The University of the South 1260/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Middle Tennessee State University 20/26; The University of the South 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Middle Tennessee State University - Required; Sewanee - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Middle Tennessee State University Aug 15, 2027; Sewanee Feb 1, 2027.
• Middle Tennessee State University has a higher acceptance rate (69.1%) than Sewanee (56.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.4% at Middle Tennessee State University vs. 17.9% at Sewanee.

Middle Tennessee State University vs. Sewanee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• The University of the South's six-year graduation rate (86%) is higher than Middle Tennessee State University's (45%).
• Graduates from The University of the South earn a median of about $7,500 more per year than Middle Tennessee State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,800 vs. $42,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, The University of the South graduates have a $2,758 lower median loan debt than Middle Tennessee State University graduates ($19,000 vs. $21,758).
• Among borrowers, Sewanee graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Middle Tennessee State University graduates ($196 vs. $224).
• More Sewanee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Middle Tennessee State University students, three years after graduation. (83% 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.