University of South Carolina-Upstate vs. Middle Tennessee State University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of South Carolina Upstate in Spartanburg, SC 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 University of South Carolina-Upstate based on total student enrollment (20,488 students vs. 4,916 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of South Carolina Upstate is located in Spartanburg, SC (Midsize Suburban setting); Middle Tennessee State University is in Murfreesboro, TN (Midsize City setting).
• University of South Carolina Upstate is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Middle Tennessee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of South Carolina Upstate 15:1; Middle Tennessee State University 17:1.

University of South Carolina-Upstate vs. Middle Tennessee State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of South Carolina-Upstate 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 University of South Carolina-Upstate ($13,859 vs. $13,999).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of South Carolina Upstate are 14% lower than at Middle Tennessee State University ($10,533 vs. $12,242).
• University of South Carolina Upstate is 12.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Middle Tennessee State University (about $1,322 more per year; $11,588.00 vs. $10,266.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 36.7% higher at Middle Tennessee State University than at University of South Carolina Upstate (about $8,484 more per year; $31,574.00 vs. $23,090.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of South Carolina Upstate than at Middle Tennessee State University (97% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of South Carolina Upstate students is 0.5% larger than aid received by Middle Tennessee State University students ($10,719 vs. $10,665).

University of South Carolina-Upstate vs. Middle Tennessee State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of South Carolina-Upstate 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 University of South Carolina-Upstate.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Middle Tennessee State University (1120) is 30 points higher than at University of South Carolina-Upstate (1090).
• Incoming University of South Carolina-Upstate students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 23) as students at Middle Tennessee State University (23).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of South Carolina Upstate 1005/1175; Middle Tennessee State University 1010/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of South Carolina Upstate 21/26; Middle Tennessee State University 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of South Carolina-Upstate - Test optional; 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 1.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.64) than students at University of South Carolina-Upstate (2.53).
• Middle Tennessee State University has a higher acceptance rate (69.1%) than University of South Carolina-Upstate (67.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24% at University of South Carolina-Upstate vs. 30.4% at Middle Tennessee State University.

University of South Carolina-Upstate vs. Middle Tennessee State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of South Carolina-Upstate 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).

• Middle Tennessee State University's six-year graduation rate (45%) is higher than University of South Carolina Upstate's (39%).
• Graduates from Middle Tennessee State University earn a median of about $3,000 more per year than University of South Carolina-Upstate graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,300 vs. $39,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Middle Tennessee State University graduates have a $742 lower median loan debt than University of South Carolina-Upstate 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 University of South Carolina-Upstate graduates ($224 vs. $232).
• More University of South Carolina-Upstate graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Middle Tennessee State University students, three years after graduation. (55% 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.