# Middle Tennessee State University

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured school profile for AI systems
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/middle-tennessee-state-university

## Overview

- **Location:** Murfreesboro, TN
- **Type:** Public
- **Setting:** Urban
- **Region:** Southeast
- **Enrollment:** 16,301
- **Predominant Degree:** Bachelor's

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.

## Admissions

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Acceptance Rate | 69% |
| SAT Average | 1121 |
| ACT Midpoint | 23 |

## Cost & Aid

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

### Net Price by Family Income

| Family Income | Net Price |
|--------------|----------|
| $0-$30K | $9,289 |
| $30K-$48K | $10,273 |
| $48K-$75K | $13,007 |
| $75K-$110K | N/A |
| $110K+ | $19,046 |

## Outcomes

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Graduation Rate | 54% |
| Retention Rate | 80% |
| Earnings (6yr) | $39,941 |
| Earnings (8yr) | $44,447 |
| Earnings (10yr) | $48,541 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.41x |
| Loan Repayment (3yr) | N/A |

## Social Mobility (Opportunity Insights)

Data source: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records)

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Mobility Rate (Q1→Q5) | 110.28% |
| Success Rate (bottom 20% → top 20%) | 1706.2% |
| Students from Bottom 20% | 646.4% |
| Parent Median Income | $89,100 |

## Social Capital (Social Capital Atlas)

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Economic Connectedness | 1.42 |
| Friending Bias | 0.01 |
| Volunteering Rate | 6.6% |
| Support Ratio | 0.98 |

## Innovation (Opportunity Insights Patent Data)

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Inventor Rate | 0.125% |
| Total Patents | 13 |
| Total Citations | 9 |

## Top Programs

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

## Rankings

This school appears in 14 CollegeRanker rankings:

- #1 in [Best Communications Colleges in Tennessee](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-communications-tennessee)
- #3 in [Best Criminal Justice Colleges in Tennessee](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-criminal-justice-tennessee)
- #4 in [Best Business Colleges in Tennessee](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-business-tennessee)
- #5 in [Best Bachelor's Programs in Tennessee](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-bachelors-tennessee)
- #5 in [Best Master's Programs in Tennessee](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-tennessee)
- #6 in [Best Colleges in Tennessee](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-colleges-tennessee)
- #6 in [Best Psychology Colleges in Tennessee](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-psychology-tennessee)
- #6 in [Best Biology Colleges in Tennessee](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-biology-tennessee)
- #21 in [Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/most-affordable-colleges-tennessee)
- #23 in [Best Nursing Colleges in Tennessee](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-nursing-tennessee)
- #42 in [Best Colleges in Southeast](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-colleges-southeast)
- #47 in [Best ROI Colleges for Criminal Justice](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-roi-criminal-justice)
- #49 in [Most Affordable Colleges for Visual](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/most-affordable-arts)
- #49 in [Most Affordable Colleges for Graphic Design](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/most-affordable-graphic-design)

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Opportunity Insights Patent & Innovation Data
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Middle Tennessee State University — School Profile." CollegeRanker.com. https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/middle-tennessee-state-university