University of Memphis (UofM) vs Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)

When it comes to choosing the right university, it's essential to compare institutions to find the best fit. The University of Memphis and Middle Tennessee State University, both located in vibrant cities, offer distinct experiences. The University of Memphis boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it more accessible to a broader range of students. Middle Tennessee State University, on the other hand, has a slightly higher graduation rate, indicating a strong commitment to student success. While both universities offer a diverse range of majors, the University of Memphis excels in fields like engineering and health professions, while Middle Tennessee State University shines in areas such as business and education. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to delve deeper into these differences and make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Middle Tennessee State University	University of Memphis
Overview
Location	Murfreesboro, Tennessee	Memphis, Tennessee
Campus setting	City: Midsize	City: Large
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	75.0%	72.0%
Common app member	Yes	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	68.4%	95.2%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $25 Graduate: $35	Undergraduate: $25 Graduate: $35
SAT range	1010 - 1210	N/A
ACT range	19 - 26	N/A
Students submitting SAT score	7.0%
Students submitting ACT score	92.0%
Total number of applicants	11,244	14,916
Total number of admissions given out	7,691	14,201
Admitted students who chose to enroll	2,752	2,593
Yield rate	35.8%	18.3%
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)	Not required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $24,554 Out of state: $43,586	In state: $26,429 Out of state: $30,461
Average net price	$12,617	$14,251
Tuition	In state: $7,344 Out of state: $26,376	In state: $8,352 Out of state: $12,384
Room & board	$9,576	Room/dormitory: $6,020 Meal plan: $4,414
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	97.0% Average amount $8,747	95.0% Average amount $9,642
Students receiving federal student loan	36.0% Average amount $4,835	43.0% Average amount $4,996
Students taking out private loans	3.0% Average amount $12,638	2.0% Average amount $12,990

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	18,603 Men 45.2% Women 54.8%	16,702 Men 39.4% Women 60.6%
Graduate students	2,965 Men 36.1% Women 63.9%	4,920 Men 38.6% Women 61.4%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Moderate
Out-of-state students	N/A	17.9%
International students	2.4%	4.2%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	2,518	2,683
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	Tennessee Mississippi Arkansas Illinois Missouri

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Visual & Performing Arts Multidisciplinary Studies Education Biological and Biomedical Sciences	Health Professions Kinesiology & Leisure Studies Business Education Multidisciplinary Studies
Students to faculty ratio	16:1	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	53.7%	54.4%
Dropout rate	14.7%	27.8%
Transferred out	28.5%	14.4%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	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	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $92,183 Year 2: $90,482 Year 3: $93,053 Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $55,578 Year 2: $63,005 Year 3: $83,771 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $77,569 Year 2: $73,446 Year 3: $81,572 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $61,053 Year 2: $61,516 Year 3: $72,912 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $58,497 Year 2: $60,623 Year 3: $71,690 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,138 Year 2: $63,749 Year 3: $68,655 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $61,294 Year 2: $55,964 Year 3: $68,033 Engineering Technology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $52,203 Year 2: $61,020 Year 3: $64,943 Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $56,998 Year 2: $55,964 Year 3: $62,591 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $50,920 Year 2: $51,035 Year 3: $61,841

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between the University of Memphis and Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)?

The University of Memphis (UofM) is a large, public research university located in a major metropolitan area, offering a wide range of programs with a strong emphasis on research and community engagement. Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), while also a large public university, is located in Murfreesboro, a mid-sized city, and is known for its strong programs in aerospace, recording industry, and education, with a more regional focus.
Which university is larger, the University of Memphis or MTSU?

The University of Memphis and MTSU are comparable in size. Enrollment numbers fluctuate, but both universities typically enroll between 20,000 and 25,000 students.
Where are the University of Memphis and MTSU located?

The University of Memphis is located in Memphis, Tennessee, a large urban center with a rich cultural history. MTSU is located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, a rapidly growing city about 30 miles southeast of Nashville.
What academic programs are the University of Memphis and MTSU particularly known for?

The University of Memphis is known for its programs in law, business, education, and music (especially the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music). MTSU is renowned for its aerospace program, recording industry program, and teacher education programs.
How do the tuition costs compare between the University of Memphis and MTSU?

Tuition costs are generally comparable between the University of Memphis and MTSU for in-state students. Out-of-state tuition will be higher at both institutions. It's best to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date tuition and fee information.
What is campus life like at the University of Memphis versus MTSU?

The University of Memphis offers a vibrant urban campus life with numerous student organizations, cultural events, and access to the amenities of a major city. MTSU provides a more traditional campus environment with a strong sense of community, active student government, and a focus on campus-based activities.
What are the athletic programs like at the University of Memphis and MTSU?

The University of Memphis Tigers compete in NCAA Division I as part of the American Athletic Conference (AAC). Their athletic programs, particularly basketball and football, have a strong following. MTSU's Blue Raiders also compete in NCAA Division I, but as part of Conference USA. They offer a variety of sports with a dedicated fan base.
Which university is better for research opportunities?

The University of Memphis, as a designated R1 research university, generally offers more extensive research opportunities across a wider range of disciplines. However, MTSU also provides research opportunities, particularly within its specialized programs like aerospace and agriculture.
How do the career services compare at the University of Memphis and MTSU?

Both the University of Memphis and MTSU offer comprehensive career services, including career counseling, resume workshops, and job placement assistance. The University of Memphis may have an advantage in connecting students with opportunities in the Memphis metropolitan area, while MTSU may have stronger connections with industries in the Nashville and Middle Tennessee region.
What are the admission requirements for the University of Memphis and MTSU?

Admission requirements for both universities typically include a high school diploma or GED, standardized test scores (ACT or SAT), and a review of academic transcripts. Specific requirements and minimum scores may vary, so it's best to consult the admissions websites of each university for the most current information.
Which university is closer to Nashville?

Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) is located in Murfreesboro, which is approximately 30 miles southeast of Nashville. The University of Memphis is located in Memphis, which is in the western part of Tennessee, much further from Nashville.
Does either university have a strong Greek life?

Both the University of Memphis and MTSU have active Greek life communities with a variety of fraternities and sororities. Students interested in Greek life should research the specific chapters at each university to find the best fit.

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