Principia College vs. Middle Tennessee State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Principia College in Elsah, Illinois 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 Principia College based on total student enrollment (20,488 students vs. 339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Principia College is located in Elsah, Illinois (Rural Fringe setting); Middle Tennessee State University is in Murfreesboro, TN (Midsize City setting).
• Principia 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: Principia College 6:1; Middle Tennessee State University 17:1.

Principia College vs. Middle Tennessee State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Principia 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 Principia College ($13,859 vs. $18,248).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Middle Tennessee State University are 12% lower than at Principia College ($12,242 vs. $13,910).
• Principia College is 237.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Middle Tennessee State University (about $24,414 more per year; $34,680.00 vs. $10,266.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.8% higher at Principia College than at Middle Tennessee State University (about $3,106 more per year; $34,680.00 vs. $31,574.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Middle Tennessee State University than at Principia College (94% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Principia College students is 185.1% larger than aid received by Middle Tennessee State University students ($30,402 vs. $10,665).

Principia College vs. Middle Tennessee State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Principia 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 Principia College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Principia College (1150) is 30 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 Principia College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Principia College 1040/1250; Middle Tennessee State University 1010/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Principia College 19/23; Middle Tennessee State University 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Principia College - Not reported; 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 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.64) than students at Principia College (3.34).

Principia College vs. Middle Tennessee State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Principia 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).

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.