Skip to content

University of Memphis vs Middle Tennessee State University

University of Memphis is a public university in Memphis, TN, and Middle Tennessee State University is a public university in Murfreesboro, TN. Middle Tennessee State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 69% of applicants against 72% at University of Memphis. University of Memphis is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $12,397 a year against $13,359 at Middle Tennessee State University. About 54% of students graduate at Middle Tennessee State University, compared with 50% at University of Memphis. Ten years after enrolling, Middle Tennessee State University alumni earn a median of about $48,541, against $48,458 for University of Memphis.

University of Memphis

Memphis, TN · Public

Middle Tennessee State University

Murfreesboro, TN · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Memphis, TN
Murfreesboro, TN
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
12,701
16,301
Acceptance rate
72%
69%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.36–3.86
3.43–3.93
SAT (middle 50%)
915–1180
1010–1230
ACT (middle 50%)
18–24
20–26
Test policy
Required
Required
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,397
$13,359
Full cost / yr
$25,169
$24,289
In-state tuition
$10,728
$10,266
Out-of-state tuition
$15,384
$31,574
Application fee
$25
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,607
$9,289
$30k - $48k
$10,968
$10,273
$48k - $75k
$13,923
$13,007
$75k - $110k
$17,384
$16,935
Over $110k
$18,691
$19,046
Outcomes
Graduation rate
50%
54%
Freshman retention
77%
80%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$40,921
$39,941
Median earnings (10 yr)
$48,458
$48,541
Median debt at graduation
$23,300
$20,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
41%
32%
First-generation students
37%
36%
International students
2%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jul 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 University of Memphis 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 72% at University of Memphis. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, University of Memphis or Middle Tennessee State University?
University of Memphis is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,397 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $13,359 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.
What is the full cost of attendance at University of Memphis and Middle Tennessee State University?
Before aid, Middle Tennessee State University costs about $24,289 a year and University of Memphis about $25,169. 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, University of Memphis or Middle Tennessee State University?
Middle Tennessee State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,289 there, against about $10,607 at University of Memphis. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Memphis or Middle Tennessee State University?
Middle Tennessee State University is the larger of the two, with about 16,301 undergraduates against 12,701 at University of Memphis.
Does University of Memphis or Middle Tennessee State University have a better graduation rate?
Middle Tennessee State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 54% against 50% at University of Memphis.
Do graduates of University of Memphis 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 $48,458 for University of Memphis. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Memphis and Middle Tennessee State University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Memphis requires SAT or ACT scores. Middle Tennessee State University requires SAT or ACT scores.
What SAT scores do University of Memphis and Middle Tennessee State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 915–1180 at University of Memphis and 1010–1230 at Middle Tennessee State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

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