This article compares Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) to help students make an informed decision on which school to attend. We will look at various aspects of both universities, including costs, admissions, academics, campus life, and outcomes. By examining these factors, students can determine which school best aligns with their needs and goals.
FAU Overview
Florida Atlantic University, established in 1961, is a public university located in Boca Raton, Florida. It is part of the State University System of Florida and offers over 170 undergraduate and graduate programs. FAU is known for its research focus, particularly in the fields of ocean engineering and marine science. The university serves more than 30,000 students and has an acceptance rate of 59%.
FAU Costs & Tuition
The estimated annual cost of attendance for in-state students at FAU is around $21,000, including tuition, fees, room, and board. Out-of-state students can expect to pay approximately $37,000 per year. Financial aid is available through scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs, with about 72% of students receiving some form of financial aid.
FAU Admissions
Admissions at FAU are moderately competitive, with a 59% acceptance rate. The university evaluates applicants based on their high school GPA, SAT/ACT scores, and other factors like extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and personal essays. The average GPA of admitted students is 3.71, while the average SAT score is 1160.
FAU Degrees Offered
FAU offers over 170 degree programs across its ten colleges, including arts and letters; business; education; engineering and computer science; and nursing. Some of the most popular majors at FAU are business, psychology, and biology. The university also offers various online degree programs and certifications.
FAU Academics
Academically, FAU is known for its research focus, especially in ocean engineering and marine sciences. The university has a student-to-faculty ratio of 21:1, allowing for personalized attention and support. There are also numerous research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to collaborate with faculty members on cutting-edge projects.
FAU Diversity
FAU has a diverse student body, with students from over 50 countries represented. The ethnic breakdown is as follows: White (45%), Hispanic (26%), African American (19%), and Asian (3%). The university emphasizes promoting an inclusive environment and offers several cultural and diversity-related programs and organizations.
FAU Students
FAU has an enrollment of over 30,000 students, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. There are over 300 student organizations and clubs to join, catering to various interests and passions. The university also offers a vibrant Greek life, with several fraternities and sororities on campus.
FAU Campus
The FAU campus is located in Boca Raton, Florida, which offers a mix of urban and suburban living. On-campus housing is available, with options ranging from traditional dormitories to apartment-style living. There are numerous dining options and recreational facilities, including a state-of-the-art student recreation center.
FAU Alumni
FAU has a strong alumni network, with notable graduates including artists, athletes, politicians, and business leaders. Some notable alumni include former Florida Governor Charlie Crist, actor and comedian Daniel Tosh, and professional football player Trey Hendrickson.
FAU Rankings
According to U.S. News & World Report, FAU ranks #293 in National Universities and #140 in Top Public Schools. The university also ranks #115 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs and #110 in Best Online Bachelor’s Programs.
FAU Outcomes
FAU graduates enjoy a strong return on investment, with the average starting salary for recent graduates at $45,000. The university boasts a 69% graduation rate and a 90% employment rate within six months of graduation.
MTSU Overview
Middle Tennessee State University, founded in 1911, is a public university located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, about 30 miles southeast of Nashville. MTSU offers over 140 undergraduate and graduate programs through its eight colleges and has a strong emphasis on liberal arts and sciences. The university has an enrollment of over 22,000 students, making it the second-largest institution in Tennessee. The acceptance rate at MTSU is 94%.
MTSU Costs & Tuition
The estimated annual cost of attendance for in-state students at MTSU is approximately $23,000, including tuition, fees, room, and board. Out-of-state students can expect to pay around $38,000 per year. Financial aid is available through scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs, with about 94% of students receiving some form of financial aid.
MTSU Admissions
Admissions at MTSU are less competitive than at FAU, with a 94% acceptance rate. Applicants are evaluated based on their high school GPA, SAT/ACT scores, and other factors like extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and personal essays. The average GPA of admitted students is 3.42, while the average SAT score is 1080.
MTSU Degrees Offered
MTSU offers over 140 degree programs across its eight colleges, including liberal arts; business; education; media and entertainment; and behavioral and health sciences. Some popular majors at MTSU are aerospace, recording industry, and nursing. The university also offers various online degree programs and certifications.
MTSU Academics
MTSU is known for its strong liberal arts and sciences programs, as well as its unique programs in aerospace and recording industry. The student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1, allowing for personalized attention and support. There are numerous research opportunities and internships available for students across various disciplines.
MTSU Diversity
The student body at MTSU is diverse, with students from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds. The ethnic breakdown is as follows: White (62%), African American (20%), Hispanic (5%), and Asian (1%). The university offers several cultural and diversity-related programs and organizations to promote inclusivity.
MTSU Students
MTSU has an enrollment of over 22,000 students, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. There are over 250 student organizations and clubs to join, catering to a wide range of interests. Greek life is also popular, with several fraternities and sororities on campus.
MTSU Campus
The MTSU campus, located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, offers a mix of urban and suburban living. On-campus housing is available, with options ranging from traditional dormitories to apartment-style living. There are numerous dining options and recreational facilities, including a state-of-the-art recreation center.
MTSU Alumni
MTSU has a strong alumni network, with notable graduates including artists, athletes, politicians, and business leaders. Some well-known alumni include country music stars Chris Young and Hillary Scott, former Vice President Al Gore, and professional football player Kevin Byard.
MTSU Rankings
According to U.S. News & World Report, MTSU ranks #293 in National Universities and #140 in Top Public Schools. Additionally, the university ranks #110 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs and #92 in Best Online Bachelor’s Programs.
MTSU Outcomes
MTSU graduates enjoy a solid return on investment, with the average starting salary for recent graduates at $41,000. The university has a 48% graduation rate and an 85% employment rate within six months of graduation.
FAU vs MTSU Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending FAU and MTSU, the overall expenses are fairly similar. In-state students at FAU pay around $21,000 per year, while in-state students at MTSU pay approximately $23,000 annually. Out-of-state students at both universities can expect to pay around $37,000 to $38,000 per year. Both schools offer financial aid, with the majority of students receiving some form of assistance.
FAU vs MTSU Admissions Difficulty
Admissions at FAU are more competitive than at MTSU, with a 59% acceptance rate compared to MTSU’s 94% rate. FAU applicants tend to have higher average GPAs and SAT scores than MTSU applicants. However, both schools consider extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and personal essays in addition to academic performance.
FAU vs MTSU Academic Difficulty
Both FAU and MTSU offer rigorous academic programs, but FAU is known for its research focus, particularly in ocean engineering and marine science. MTSU has a strong emphasis on liberal arts and sciences, as well as unique programs in aerospace and recording industry. The student-to-faculty ratios are similar, with FAU at 21:1 and MTSU at 18:1, allowing for personalized attention and support.
FAU vs MTSU Outcome Comparison
When comparing outcomes, FAU graduates have a higher average starting salary ($45,000) and graduation rate (69%) than MTSU graduates ($41,000 and 48%). However, both schools have strong employment rates within six months of graduation, with FAU at 90% and MTSU at 85%.
