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Lee University vs Middle Tennessee State University

Lee University is a private university in Cleveland, TN. Middle Tennessee State University is a public university in Murfreesboro, TN. Middle Tennessee State University admits about 69% of applicants and Lee University about 71%, making Middle Tennessee State University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $13,359 a year at Middle Tennessee State University after aid, and about $18,878 at Lee University. About 62% of students graduate at Lee University, compared with 54% at Middle Tennessee State University. Ten years after enrolling, Middle Tennessee State University alumni earn a median of about $48,541, against $43,222 for Lee University.

Lee University

Cleveland, TN · Private

Middle Tennessee State University

Murfreesboro, TN · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Cleveland, TN
Murfreesboro, TN
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,617
16,301
Acceptance rate
71%
69%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.43–3.93
3.43–3.93
SAT (middle 50%)
1040–1230
1010–1230
ACT (middle 50%)
20–27
20–26
Test policy
Considered
Required
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$18,878
$13,359
Full cost / yr
$35,688
$24,289
In-state tuition
$23,790
$10,266
Out-of-state tuition
$23,790
$31,574
Application fee
$25
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,834
$9,289
$30k - $48k
$13,845
$10,273
$48k - $75k
$17,029
$13,007
$75k - $110k
$19,699
$16,935
Over $110k
$24,641
$19,046
Outcomes
Graduation rate
62%
54%
Freshman retention
82%
80%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$38,082
$39,941
Median earnings (10 yr)
$43,222
$48,541
Median debt at graduation
$25,750
$20,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
29%
32%
First-generation students
31%
36%
International students
3%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Dec 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Mar 1
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Lee University or Middle Tennessee State University harder to get into?
Middle Tennessee State University is harder to get into. It admits about 69% of applicants, compared with 71% at Lee University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Lee University or Middle Tennessee State University?
Middle Tennessee State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,359 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $18,878 at Lee University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Lee University and Middle Tennessee State University?
Before aid, Middle Tennessee State University costs about $24,289 a year and Lee University about $35,688. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Lee University or Middle Tennessee State University?
Middle Tennessee State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,289 there, against about $12,834 at Lee University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Lee University or Middle Tennessee State University?
Middle Tennessee State University is the larger of the two, with about 16,301 undergraduates against 2,617 at Lee University.
Does Lee University or Middle Tennessee State University have a better graduation rate?
Lee University has the higher graduation rate, at about 62% against 54% at Middle Tennessee State University.
Do graduates of Lee University or Middle Tennessee State University earn more?
Middle Tennessee State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $48,541 ten years after enrolling, against about $43,222 for Lee University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Lee University and Middle Tennessee State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Lee University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Middle Tennessee State University requires SAT or ACT scores.
What SAT scores do Lee University and Middle Tennessee State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1040–1230 at Lee University and 1010–1230 at Middle Tennessee State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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