Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) vs East Tennessee State University (ETSU)

Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) and East Tennessee State University (ETSU) are two public universities located in Tennessee, offering a wide range of academic programs and opportunities. While both universities share similarities, there are also some key differences between them. MTSU has a higher acceptance rate (78%) compared to ETSU (68%), making it a more accessible option for students. ETSU, on the other hand, has a slightly higher graduation rate (58%) compared to MTSU (56%). In terms of student body demographics, MTSU has a larger student population (22,000+) compared to ETSU (14,000+). Both universities offer popular majors such as business, nursing, and education, but MTSU has a stronger focus on music and recording industry studies, while ETSU is known for its programs in health sciences and pharmacy. To help you make an informed decision, we have compiled a comprehensive comparison table that highlights the key

	East Tennessee State University	Middle Tennessee State University
Overview
Location	Johnson City, Tennessee	Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Campus setting	City: Small	City: Midsize
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	67.0%	75.0%
Common app member	No	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	87.4%	68.4%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $25 Graduate: $55	Undergraduate: $25 Graduate: $35
SAT range	N/A	1010 - 1210
ACT range	19 - 26	19 - 26
Students submitting SAT score		7.0%
Students submitting ACT score	80.0%	92.0%
Total number of applicants	8,563	11,244
Total number of admissions given out	7,484	7,691
Admitted students who chose to enroll	1,856	2,752
Yield rate	24.8%	35.8%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Not required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $28,704 Out of state: $32,006	In state: $24,554 Out of state: $43,586
Average net price	$14,482	$12,617
Tuition	In state: $7,486 Out of state: $10,788	In state: $7,344 Out of state: $26,376
Room & board	$9,582	$9,576
Available payment plans	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	97.0% Average amount $9,541	97.0% Average amount $8,747
Students receiving federal student loan	34.0% Average amount $6,489	36.0% Average amount $4,835
Students taking out private loans	4.0% Average amount $13,366	3.0% Average amount $12,638

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	10,316 Men 38.3% Women 61.7%	18,603 Men 45.2% Women 54.8%
Graduate students	2,987 Men 30.7% Women 69.3%	2,965 Men 36.1% Women 63.9%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Very Low	Low
Out-of-state students	22.1%	N/A
International students	2.0%	2.4%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	2,833	2,518
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Tennessee North Carolina Virginia South Carolina Georgia	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Education Public Administration and Social Service Kinesiology & Leisure Studies Business	Business Visual & Performing Arts Multidisciplinary Studies Education Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Students to faculty ratio	15:1	16:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	50.6%	53.7%
Dropout rate	21.3%	14.7%
Transferred out	25.2%	28.5%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $105,882 Year 2: $117,477 Year 3: $121,003 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $87,648 Year 2: $94,408 Year 3: $101,627 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $86,704 Year 2: $87,604 Year 3: $92,942 Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $69,704 Year 2: $70,009 Year 3: $77,994 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $71,980 Year 2: $68,592 Year 3: $75,044 Medicine (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $53,417 Year 2: $55,286 Year 3: $71,655 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $48,748 Year 2: $54,748 Year 3: $69,192 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $50,234 Year 2: $56,867 Year 3: $66,513 Public Health (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $45,737 Year 2: $44,971 Year 3: $59,138 Engineering Technology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $51,039 Year 2: $52,107 Year 3: $58,679	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $88,408 Year 2: $85,760 Year 3: $90,571 Psychology, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $49,120 Year 2: $59,485 Year 3: $88,221 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $71,903 Year 2: $66,104 Year 3: $78,609 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $68,709 Year 2: $67,101 Year 3: $72,118 Construction Management (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,220 Year 2: $66,541 Year 3: $69,654 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $57,896 Year 2: $57,860 Year 3: $67,093 Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $50,963 Year 2: $57,995 Year 3: $66,752 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $57,662 Year 2: $54,192 Year 3: $66,144 Engineering-Related Fields (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $59,628 Year 2: $58,943 Year 3: $61,839 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $55,209 Year 2: $55,061 Year 3: $58,677

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences in location and campus environment between Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) and East Tennessee State University (ETSU)?

MTSU is located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, a rapidly growing city in Middle Tennessee, close to Nashville. The campus is generally considered more suburban. ETSU is situated in Johnson City, Tennessee, in the Appalachian region of East Tennessee. The campus has a more mountainous and scenic environment, offering a different feel compared to MTSU's location.
How do the academic programs at MTSU and ETSU compare?

Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. MTSU is particularly well-known for its programs in aerospace, recording industry, and media arts. ETSU has strong programs in health sciences, medicine, and education. The specific strengths of each institution should be considered based on your intended major.
What is the cost of attendance like at MTSU versus ETSU?

The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, and living expenses, is generally comparable between MTSU and ETSU. However, specific costs can vary depending on residency status (in-state vs. out-of-state), the chosen program of study, and living arrangements. It's recommended to check the official university websites for the most up-to-date tuition and fee information.
How do the student populations and campus cultures differ at MTSU and ETSU?

MTSU typically has a larger student population than ETSU. MTSU's campus culture is often described as more diverse and lively, reflecting its proximity to Nashville. ETSU's campus culture tends to be more closely knit, with a strong sense of community and a focus on outdoor activities due to its location in the Appalachian region.
What are the athletic programs like at MTSU and ETSU?

Both universities have NCAA Division I athletic programs. MTSU competes in Conference USA, while ETSU competes in the Southern Conference. Both schools offer a variety of sports, and the level of competition is similar. The specific sports offered and the success of the athletic programs may vary from year to year.
How does the availability of on-campus housing compare between MTSU and ETSU?

Both MTSU and ETSU offer on-campus housing options for students. The availability and types of housing (dorms, apartments, etc.) are generally similar. However, it's advisable to apply for housing early, as demand can be high, especially for incoming freshmen. Check the university websites for details on housing applications and deadlines.
What are the career services and opportunities like at MTSU and ETSU?

Both universities provide career services to assist students with job searching, resume writing, and career planning. MTSU, being closer to Nashville, may offer more opportunities in the entertainment and music industries. ETSU, with its strong health sciences programs, may provide more opportunities in healthcare. The specific career opportunities will depend on your field of study and career goals.
How do the research opportunities compare at MTSU and ETSU?

Both universities offer research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. MTSU has a strong focus on research in areas like aerospace and recording industry. ETSU has a strong research presence in health sciences and medicine. The availability of specific research opportunities will depend on your major and the faculty involved.
What are the main differences in the surrounding communities of Murfreesboro and Johnson City?

Murfreesboro, near Nashville, is a rapidly growing city with a diverse economy and a vibrant music scene. Johnson City, in the Appalachian region, offers a more relaxed atmosphere with a focus on outdoor recreation and a strong sense of community. The choice of community will depend on your lifestyle preferences.
Which university is better for me, MTSU or ETSU?

The 'better' university depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider your academic interests, desired campus environment, career goals, and preferred location. Research the specific programs, campus culture, and resources offered by each university to determine which one best aligns with your aspirations.

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