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Colleges / TN / Murfreesboro
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Middle Tennessee State University

Public Murfreesboro, TN · Urban · Southeast · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
54%
Graduation Rate
$48,541
Earnings (10yr)
$13,359
Net Price
69%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

With an enrollment of over 16,000 students, Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro is a solid choice for those looking for a diverse range of programs and a welcoming campus environment. The acceptance rate of 69% means that many students can find a place here, making it a good fit for those who may not have top-tier test scores but are eager to learn. Students at MTSU can dive into popular fields like Business & Marketing, Visual & Performing Arts, and Psychology, all of which prepare them for various career paths.

After graduation, MTSU alumni see median earnings of around $48,541 within ten years. This figure gives a sense of the potential return on investment for students, especially when considering the affordability of attending this university. With a net price of approximately $13,359 after financial aid, it positions itself as a manageable option for many. A significant portion of the student body, 32%, receives Pell Grants, indicating that the university supports students from lower-income backgrounds, which can be crucial for those looking to improve their financial mobility.

When it comes to the practical aspects of attending MTSU, students can expect a median debt load of $20,000 upon graduation, which is relatively reasonable compared to many other institutions. This manageable debt can be a relief for graduates as they step into the workforce. Those who tend to thrive here are often motivated individuals who appreciate a community-oriented atmosphere and practical training in their chosen fields. The university’s focus on applied learning and career readiness can help students transition smoothly into their professional lives.

Rankings

How Middle Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation54%Earnings 10yr$49KNet Price$13KRetention80%Median Debt$20KPell Grant Rate32%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$9K$0-30K$10K$30-48K$13K$48-75K$19K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%646.4%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%1706.2%MOBILITY110.28%

Cost & Financial Aid

$10,266
In-State Tuition
$31,574
Out-of-State
$13,359
Avg Net Price
$20,000
Median Debt
32%
Pell Grant Rate
28%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$9,289
Family Income $0–$30K
$10,273
Family Income $30K–$48K
$13,007
Family Income $48K–$75K
$19,046
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$39,941
6 Years After Entry
$44,447
8 Years
$48,541
10 Years
0.41x
Debt-to-Earnings
62%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$39,941 6yr $44,447 8yr $48,541 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

110.28%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
1706.2%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
646.4%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$89,100
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.42
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
0.01
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
6.6%
Volunteering Rate
0.98
Support Ratio
Community support

Innovation

Data: Opportunity Insights Patent & Innovation Data

0.125%
Inventor Rate
13
Total Patents
9
Total Citations

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 69%
Retention Rate 80%
SAT Average 1121
ACT Midpoint 23
SAT Range 1010–1230
ACT Range 20–26
Full-Time Faculty 81%
Faculty Salary (mo) $9,739
Diversity Index 0.57
First-Gen Students 36%

Top Programs

Business & Marketing 18%
Visual & Performing Arts 12%
Transportation 8%
Psychology 6%
Biology & Biomedical 5%
Communications 4%
Health Professions 3%
Social Sciences 3%