Middle Tennessee State University

  • 5/10 Overall Rating
  • 4 Year
  • Murfreesboro, TN
  • 4.5 2 reviews
#4 Best Public Universities in Tennessee

Overview

Total enrollment

20,488
Middle Tennessee State University overview
Middle Tennessee State University overview
  • Size Large
  • Status Non-profit
  • Housing Yes
  • Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate

Middle Tennessee State University, located in Murfreesboro approximately 35 miles southeast of Nashville, occupies a 500-acre main campus in Tennessee's fastest-growing major city. Founded in 1911 as a teacher-training institution, MTSU has evolved into a public university offering undergraduate and graduate programs across nine academic colleges. The university is particularly known for its Recording Industry program, Aerospace department with its own airport facility, and Concrete Industry Management program, which was the first of its kind in the nation. MTSU maintains a moderate admission selectivity and operates as one of Tennessee's largest public universities, with most first-year students residing in one of the campus's multiple residence halls. The campus features a mix of historic buildings and modern facilities, including specialized learning centers for its media and entertainment programs, while its athletic programs compete in NCAA Division I as the Blue Raiders.

Ratings

Middle Tennessee State University is rated within the lower 46% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 5 out of 10.

  • Overall Rating
    5 out of 10
  • Academics
    6 out of 10
  • Resources
    5 out of 10
  • Outcomes
    5 out of 10
  • Value
    5 out of 10

Admissions

Admission Standards

Moderate
Middle Tennessee State University admission standards
  • SAT (enrolled mid-50) 1010/1230
  • ACT (enrolled mid-50) 20/26
  • GPA 3.64

Acceptance Rate

69.1%
Middle Tennessee State University applications overview
  • Applications Due Aug 15, 2027
  • Enrollment Rate 30.4%
  • Application Fee $25

Applicant Competition Low

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Annual Cost to Attend

Tennessee Resident Tuition

$10,266

Out of State Resident Tuition

$31,574

Breakdown

In State Costs for Middle Tennessee State University
  • Tuition $10,266
  • Books and Supplies $1,260
  • Other Fees $2,062
  • Room and Board $12,242
  • Budget for Other Expenses $5,714
  • Total One Year Cost $31,544

Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$42,300 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

45% within 6 years

Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at Middle Tennessee State University are Business, Visual and Performing Arts, and Liberal Arts and Humanities. 17% of students major in Business, 10% in Visual and Performing Arts, and 9% in Liberal Arts and Humanities.

  • Business 17%
  • Visual and Performing Arts 10%
  • Liberal Arts and Humanities 9%
  • General Studies 9%
  • Communication 6%

More Colleges to Consider

Students considering Middle Tennessee State University are frequently interested in these similar colleges.

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=220978.

GPA calculator: Middle Tennessee State University GPA calculator.

Last updated: August 2026