Middle Tennessee State University vs. Vanderbilt

Comparable Facts

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

Middle Tennessee State University is larger than Vanderbilt based on total student enrollment (20,488 students vs. 13,575 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Middle Tennessee State University is located in Murfreesboro, TN (Midsize City setting); Vanderbilt University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• Middle Tennessee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Vanderbilt University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Middle Tennessee State University 17:1; Vanderbilt University 8:1.

Middle Tennessee State University vs. Vanderbilt Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Middle Tennessee State University or Vanderbilt? 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 Vanderbilt ($13,859 vs. $25,186).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Middle Tennessee State University are 44.5% lower than at Vanderbilt University ($12,242 vs. $22,054).
• Vanderbilt University is 557.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Middle Tennessee State University (about $57,232 more per year; $67,498.00 vs. $10,266.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 113.8% higher at Vanderbilt than at Middle Tennessee State University (about $35,924 more per year; $67,498.00 vs. $31,574.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Middle Tennessee State University than at Vanderbilt University (94% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Vanderbilt University students is 503.9% larger than aid received by Middle Tennessee State University students ($64,404 vs. $10,665).

Middle Tennessee State University vs. Vanderbilt Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Vanderbilt University (1540) is 420 points higher than at Middle Tennessee State University (1120).
• Incoming Vanderbilt students have a 11 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 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; Vanderbilt University 1500/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Middle Tennessee State University 20/26; Vanderbilt University 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Middle Tennessee State University - Required; Vanderbilt - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Middle Tennessee State University Aug 15, 2027; Vanderbilt Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Vanderbilt students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at Middle Tennessee State University (3.64).
• Middle Tennessee State University has a higher acceptance rate (69.1%) than Vanderbilt (5.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.4% at Middle Tennessee State University vs. 61.2% at Vanderbilt.

Middle Tennessee State University vs. Vanderbilt Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Vanderbilt University's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Middle Tennessee State University's (45%).
• Graduates from Vanderbilt University earn a median of about $40,800 more per year than Middle Tennessee State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($83,100 vs. $42,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Vanderbilt University graduates have a $7,758 lower median loan debt than Middle Tennessee State University graduates ($14,000 vs. $21,758).
• Among borrowers, Vanderbilt graduates have an estimated $80 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Middle Tennessee State University graduates ($144 vs. $224).
• More Vanderbilt 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.