About Middle Tennessee State University
Middle Tennessee State University has built a reputation as the go-to school for students wanting to break into the music and media industries. With 16,115 students on its Murfreesboro campus, MTSU is famous for its recording industry program and mass communications department. The school has produced notable graduates like Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum and actress Kimberly Williams-Paisley. Students get hands-on experience in state-of-the-art recording studios and media facilities. The 72.54% acceptance rate makes it accessible to most Tennessee students who meet basic requirements.
The financial picture looks reasonable for most families. Students pay an average net price of $12,599 after financial aid, with those from families earning under $30,000 paying just $8,371. Graduates earn a median of $48,541 ten years after graduation and typically leave with $20,000 in debt. Monthly loan payments average $212, which is manageable given the earning potential. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, making the school accessible to working-class families.
The campus draws heavily from Tennessee, with 87% of students coming from in-state. The Blue Raiders compete in Division I athletics across 13 sports. The 54% graduation rate reflects the practical, career-focused student body that often starts working in their fields before finishing their degrees.
The financial picture looks reasonable for most families. Students pay an average net price of $12,599 after financial aid, with those from families earning under $30,000 paying just $8,371. Graduates earn a median of $48,541 ten years after graduation and typically leave with $20,000 in debt. Monthly loan payments average $212, which is manageable given the earning potential. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, making the school accessible to working-class families.
The campus draws heavily from Tennessee, with 87% of students coming from in-state. The Blue Raiders compete in Division I athletics across 13 sports. The 54% graduation rate reflects the practical, career-focused student body that often starts working in their fields before finishing their degrees.
Academics & Faculty
Middle Tennessee State University operates as a public research university with standout programs that reflect its Tennessee roots and modern focus. The school earned national recognition for its recording industry program, consistently ranked among the top music business programs in the country. MTSU's aerospace program trains future pilots and aviation professionals through hands-on learning with real aircraft. The mass communications department produces graduates who work at major media outlets across the Southeast. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, students get more personal attention than at many large state schools. However, the 54% graduation rate suggests some students struggle to finish, often due to the demands of balancing work with academics in this commuter-heavy environment.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 79.2%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 54.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 54.0%
- Retention Rate
- 77.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $48,541
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R2)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $85,760 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $67,101 |
| Construction Management. | Bachelor | $66,541 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Master | $66,104 |
| Psychology, General. | Master | $59,485 |
| Engineering-Related Fields. | Bachelor | $58,943 |
| Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other. | Master | $57,995 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $57,860 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $55,061 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $54,192 |
Campus Life
Murfreesboro sits about 30 miles southeast of Nashville, putting students within easy reach of Music City's internships and nightlife. The 16,115 students spread across a sprawling campus that feels like a small town, with only 16% living in the university's 2,518 on-campus housing spots. Most students rent apartments or houses in the surrounding college neighborhoods.
The Blue Raiders take their football seriously, with Conference USA games drawing passionate crowds to Floyd Stadium. Students gather at the student union between classes, and many work part-time jobs around town to help with expenses. The 72.54% acceptance rate attracts a mix of serious students and those looking for the classic college experience. Winters require a jacket but rarely see snow, while humid summers mean plenty of time outdoors on the quad. Weekends often involve trips to Nashville for concerts or staying local for house parties and campus events. The strong alumni network in Tennessee's music and media industries creates networking opportunities that extend well beyond graduation.
The Blue Raiders take their football seriously, with Conference USA games drawing passionate crowds to Floyd Stadium. Students gather at the student union between classes, and many work part-time jobs around town to help with expenses. The 72.54% acceptance rate attracts a mix of serious students and those looking for the classic college experience. Winters require a jacket but rarely see snow, while humid summers mean plenty of time outdoors on the quad. Weekends often involve trips to Nashville for concerts or staying local for house parties and campus events. The strong alumni network in Tennessee's music and media industries creates networking opportunities that extend well beyond graduation.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 2,518 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1911
Campus Safety (2023)
43 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Violence | 7 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 7 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Stalking | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 27°–47°F
- July Avg
- 68°–89°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 55.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 2.2"
Student Demographics
Middle Tennessee draws students who want solid career training without breaking the bank. With 87% coming from Tennessee, this university has built deep roots in the region and serves families looking for accessible higher education close to home. The school attracts a working-class student body, with 31% receiving Pell Grants. Students gravitate toward MTSU's nationally recognized programs in mass communications and music business, fields that draw both aspiring media professionals and country music hopefuls to Nashville's orbit. The diverse mix reflects Tennessee's changing demographics and the university's broad appeal across different communities.
- Men
- 48.3%
- Women
- 51.7%
- White
- 64.2%
- Black
- 14.1%
- Hispanic
- 9.7%
- Asian
- 4.3%
- In-State Students
- 87.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 31.4%
Location
Murfreesboro sits 30 miles southeast of Nashville, placing students within easy reach of Music City's internships and entertainment industry connections. The city of 152,000 residents creates a genuine college town atmosphere around the 16,115-student campus. Middle Tennessee's rolling hills and moderate climate provide four distinct seasons without extreme weather. The university's location in the Nashville metropolitan area gives students access to major corporations, recording studios, and media companies. Murfreesboro's historic downtown square and growing tech sector complement the campus environment. The 87% in-state student body reflects the school's strong regional draw. Students considering colleges in Tennessee may also compare Middle Tennessee State University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37132
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $48,541
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $50,530
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $33,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 49.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $212/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $20,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Middle Tennessee State University?
Middle Tennessee State University accepts 72.54% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1020-1230 on the SAT with an average of 1125, reflecting the university's accessibility for a broad range of students.
How much does Middle Tennessee State University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Middle Tennessee State University is $12,599 annually. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $8,371 on average, while the median debt load upon graduation is a manageable $20,000.
What is Middle Tennessee State University known for academically?
Middle Tennessee State University has built a strong reputation for its mass communications, music business, and aerospace programs. The university operates with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio across its comprehensive offerings, serving over 16,000 students in Murfreesboro.
What are the career outcomes for Middle Tennessee State University graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $48,541 ten years after graduation with an employment rate of 95.2%. However, only 54% of students graduate within six years, and the loan repayment rate is 49.65% with monthly payments averaging $212.
Where do most Middle Tennessee State University students come from?
The student body of 16,115 is heavily local, with 87.07% coming from Tennessee. The campus demographics are 64.17% white, 14.07% Black, and 9.72% Hispanic, with housing available for only 2,518 students in this midsize city setting.
How strong are Middle Tennessee State University's athletics?
The Blue Raiders compete in NCAA Division I as part of Conference USA with 13 varsity sports programs. The university invests $9.6 million in athletic scholarships for its 349 student-athletes, with notable alumni including Lady Antebellum's Hillary Scott and several NFL players.
