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Middle Tennessee State University vs The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Middle Tennessee State University is a public university in Murfreesboro, TN. The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is a public university in Knoxville, TN. The University of Tennessee-Knoxville admits about 42% of applicants and Middle Tennessee State University about 69%, making The University of Tennessee-Knoxville 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 $18,976 at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville. About 74% of students graduate at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, compared with 54% at Middle Tennessee State University. Ten years after enrolling, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville alumni earn a median of about $60,249, against $48,541 for Middle Tennessee State University.

Middle Tennessee State University

Murfreesboro, TN · Public

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Knoxville, TN · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Murfreesboro, TN
Knoxville, TN
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
16,301
30,418
Acceptance rate
69%
42%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.43–3.93
3.41–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1010–1230
1200–1370
ACT (middle 50%)
20–26
25–31
Test policy
Required
Required
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$13,359
$18,976
Full cost / yr
$24,289
$33,678
In-state tuition
$10,266
$13,812
Out-of-state tuition
$31,574
$33,256
Application fee
$25
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,289
$10,029
$30k - $48k
$10,273
$12,162
$48k - $75k
$13,007
$18,206
$75k - $110k
$16,935
$23,627
Over $110k
$19,046
$25,688
Outcomes
Graduation rate
54%
74%
Freshman retention
80%
92%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$39,941
$47,782
Median earnings (10 yr)
$48,541
$60,249
Median debt at graduation
$20,000
$20,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
32%
19%
First-generation students
36%
25%
International students
2%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Rolling
Jan 5

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 Middle Tennessee State University or The University of Tennessee-Knoxville harder to get into?
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is harder to get into. It admits about 42% of applicants, compared with 69% at Middle Tennessee State 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, Middle Tennessee State University or The University of Tennessee-Knoxville?
Middle Tennessee State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,359 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $18,976 at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville. 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 Middle Tennessee State University and The University of Tennessee-Knoxville?
Before aid, Middle Tennessee State University costs about $24,289 a year and The University of Tennessee-Knoxville about $33,678. 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, Middle Tennessee State University or The University of Tennessee-Knoxville?
Middle Tennessee State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,289 there, against about $10,029 at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Middle Tennessee State University or The University of Tennessee-Knoxville?
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is the larger of the two, with about 30,418 undergraduates against 16,301 at Middle Tennessee State University.
Does Middle Tennessee State University or The University of Tennessee-Knoxville have a better graduation rate?
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville has the higher graduation rate, at about 74% against 54% at Middle Tennessee State University.
Do graduates of Middle Tennessee State University or The University of Tennessee-Knoxville earn more?
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville alumni earn more on average: a median of about $60,249 ten years after enrolling, against about $48,541 for Middle Tennessee State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Middle Tennessee State University and The University of Tennessee-Knoxville require SAT or ACT scores?
Middle Tennessee State University requires SAT or ACT scores. The University of Tennessee-Knoxville requires SAT or ACT scores.
What SAT scores do Middle Tennessee State University and The University of Tennessee-Knoxville look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1010–1230 at Middle Tennessee State University and 1200–1370 at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school