Skip to main content
CollegeHelpGuide
Middle Tennessee State University logo

Middle Tennessee State University

Murfreesboro, TN·Public·16,115 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for families looking for lower cost and students who want a large campus community. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 16,115 students.

68%
Accept
16,115
Students
$12,599
Net Price
54%
Grad Rate
$44,400
Earnings
10 yr
$14,093
Debt

About This School

Middle Tennessee State University is a public institution located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee with approximately 16,115 undergraduate students enrolled. Middle Tennessee State University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 68%. The average net price after financial aid is $12,599 per year. The graduation rate is 54%, and the typical graduate earns $44,400 within 10 years of enrollment.

Middle Tennessee State University is a public research university in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, United States. Founded in 1911 as a normal school, the university consists of eight undergraduate colleges as well as a college of graduate studies, together offering more than 300 degree programs through more than 35 departments. It is classified among "R2: Universities".

The numbers tell a mixed story here: at just $12,599/year net price and $14,093 median debt, this is one of the more affordable paths to a degree in the region, and the 300+ programs at an R2 research university give students real options. The concern worth raising is the 54% graduation rate — meaning roughly half of students who start don't finish — which is something families should ask hard questions about before enrolling. Worth considering if you're cost-conscious and have a clear plan, but come in with a strategy to stay on track.

Founded
1911
Setting
Midsize city
Conference
Conference USA

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing19%
Visual & Performing Arts13%
Psychology7%
Communications5%
Biological Sciences4%
Health Professions4%
Social Sciences3%
Education3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Amy LeeJames M. BuchananSondra LockeJohn PeersJulien BakerAlbert Gore Sr.Chely WrightHillary ScottChris YoungGeorge S. ClintonLane DaviesAndreas Siljeström

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1119
Reading 75th %ile630
Math 75th %ile600

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite23

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$9,506
Out-of-State Tuition
$29,042
Avg Net Price
$12,599
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants31%
Median debt at graduation$14,093

Full Cost

Cost of attendance$22,754

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
54%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
78%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$44,400
after enrollment
Median Debt
$14,093
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$14,093
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$33,600
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$44,400
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.2x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White64%
Black14%
Hispanic/Latino10%
Asian4%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (16,115 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Middle Tennessee State University

1301 East Main Street

Murfreesboro, TN 37132

View on Google Maps →

Official Links

Other Schools in Tennessee

Browse all Tennessee schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Official School Resources
Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

All school names, logos, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Their use on this page is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement or affiliation with CollegeHelpGuide.