San Jose State vs. Middle Tennessee State University

Comparable Facts

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

San Jose State University is larger than Middle Tennessee State University based on total student enrollment (37,661 students vs. 20,488 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• San Jose State University is located in San Jose, CA (Large City setting); Middle Tennessee State University is in Murfreesboro, TN (Midsize City setting).
• San Jose State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Middle Tennessee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: San Jose State University 25:1; Middle Tennessee State University 17:1.

San Jose State vs. Middle Tennessee State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, San Jose State 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 San Jose State ($13,859 vs. $13,892).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Middle Tennessee State University are 41.6% lower than at San Jose State University ($12,242 vs. $20,971).
• Middle Tennessee State University is 22.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Jose State (about $1,856 more per year; $10,266.00 vs. $8,410.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 50.3% higher at Middle Tennessee State University than at San Jose State University (about $10,564 more per year; $31,574.00 vs. $21,010.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Middle Tennessee State University than at San Jose State University (94% vs. 63%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by San Jose State University students is 15.8% larger than aid received by Middle Tennessee State University students ($12,353 vs. $10,665).

San Jose State vs. Middle Tennessee State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, San Jose State 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 San Jose State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at San Jose State University (1130) is 10 points higher than at Middle Tennessee State University (1120).
• Incoming Middle Tennessee State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at San Jose State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Jose State University 1010/1240; Middle Tennessee State University 1010/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Jose State University 19/26; Middle Tennessee State University 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: San Jose State - Test-free; Middle Tennessee State University - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: San Jose State Dec 15, 2026; Middle Tennessee State University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Middle Tennessee State University students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.64) than students at San Jose State (3.35).
• San Jose State has a higher acceptance rate (84.6%) than Middle Tennessee State University (69.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.7% at San Jose State vs. 30.4% at Middle Tennessee State University.

San Jose State vs. Middle Tennessee State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for San Jose State 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).

• San Jose State University's six-year graduation rate (46%) is higher than Middle Tennessee State University's (45%).
• Graduates from San Jose State University earn a median of about $17,600 more per year than Middle Tennessee State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,900 vs. $42,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Jose State University graduates have a $6,758 lower median loan debt than Middle Tennessee State University graduates ($15,000 vs. $21,758).
• Among borrowers, San Jose State graduates have an estimated $69 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Middle Tennessee State University graduates ($155 vs. $224).
• More San Jose State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Middle Tennessee State University students, three years after graduation. (73% 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.