Samford University vs. Middle Tennessee State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Samford University in Birmingham, AL 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 Samford University based on total student enrollment (20,488 students vs. 6,097 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Samford University is located in Birmingham, AL (Large Suburban setting); Middle Tennessee State University is in Murfreesboro, TN (Midsize City setting).
• Samford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Middle Tennessee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Samford University 14:1; Middle Tennessee State University 17:1.

Samford University vs. Middle Tennessee State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Samford University 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 Samford University ($13,859 vs. $34,926).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Middle Tennessee State University are 6.2% lower than at Samford University ($12,242 vs. $13,056).
• Samford University is 291.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Middle Tennessee State University (about $29,884 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $10,266.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 27.2% higher at Samford University than at Middle Tennessee State University (about $8,576 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $31,574.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Samford University than at Middle Tennessee State University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Samford University students is 111.3% larger than aid received by Middle Tennessee State University students ($22,530 vs. $10,665).

Samford University vs. Middle Tennessee State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Samford University 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 Samford University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Samford University (1160) is 40 points higher than at Middle Tennessee State University (1120).
• Incoming Samford University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 23 at Middle Tennessee State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 1070/1250; Middle Tennessee State University 1010/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 22/28; Middle Tennessee State University 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Samford University - Test optional; Middle Tennessee State University - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Samford University May 1, 2027; Middle Tennessee State University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Samford University students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Middle Tennessee State University (3.64).
• Samford University has a higher acceptance rate (82.4%) than Middle Tennessee State University (69.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.9% at Samford University vs. 30.4% at Middle Tennessee State University.

Samford University vs. Middle Tennessee State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Samford University 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).

• Samford University's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than Middle Tennessee State University's (45%).
• Graduates from Samford University earn a median of about $15,100 more per year than Middle Tennessee State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,400 vs. $42,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Middle Tennessee State University graduates have a $742 lower median loan debt than Samford University graduates ($21,758 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, Middle Tennessee State University graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Samford University graduates ($224 vs. $232).
• More Samford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Middle Tennessee State University students, three years after graduation. (77% 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.