University of South Alabama 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. University of South Alabama (USA) and Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) offer distinct experiences for prospective students. USA boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option, while MTSU has a slightly higher graduation rate. Both universities offer a diverse range of popular majors, including nursing, business, and education. However, USA has a larger student body, providing a more vibrant campus life. To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table highlighting key differences between these two universities. Explore the table to discover which institution aligns better with your academic goals, preferred campus environment, and personal preferences.
Middle Tennessee State University logo

Middle Tennessee State University

University of South Alabama logo

University of South Alabama

Overview

Location Murfreesboro, Tennessee Mobile, Alabama
Campus setting City: Midsize 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 75.0% 71.0%
Common app member Yes No
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 68.4% 70.8%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $25

Graduate: $35
Undergraduate: $35

Graduate: $35
SAT range 1010 - 1210 985 - 1215
ACT range 19 - 26 19 - 26
Students submitting SAT score 7.0% 7.0%
Students submitting ACT score 92.0% 86.0%
Total number of applicants 11,244 11,817
Total number of admissions given out 7,691 8,364
Admitted students who chose to enroll 2,752 1,778
Yield rate 35.8% 21.3%
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: $23,838

Out of state: $32,094
Average net price $12,617 $14,984
Tuition
In state: $7,344

Out of state: $26,376
In state: $8,256

Out of state: $16,512
Room & board $9,576
Room/dormitory: $4,260

Meal plan: $3,890
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Prepaid tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

97.0%
Average amount $8,747
92.0%
Average amount $7,774
Students receiving federal student loan 36.0%
Average amount $4,835
49.0%
Average amount $10,354
Students taking out private loans 3.0%
Average amount $12,638
4.0%
Average amount $12,311

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 18,603
Men 45.2% Women 54.8%
8,833
Men 38.7% Women 61.3%
Graduate students 2,965
Men 36.1% Women 63.9%
5,159
Men 20.2% Women 79.8%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Low
Low
Out-of-state students N/A 24.3%
International students 2.4% 1.5%
Campus local/setting City: Midsize City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity 2,518 3,331
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from N/A Alabama Mississippi Florida Illinois Louisiana

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Business
  • Visual & Performing Arts
  • Multidisciplinary Studies
  • Education
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Health Professions
  • Education
  • Business
  • Engineering
  • Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio 16:1 17:1
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% 47.4%
Dropout rate 14.7% 19.5%
Transferred out 28.5% 29.5%
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 (Graduate/Professional Certificates)
  • Year 1: $116,286
  • Year 2: $109,763
  • Year 3: $117,239
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $110,918
  • Year 2: $115,711
  • Year 3: $112,240
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $101,131
  • Year 2: $102,706
  • Year 3: $111,122
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $93,584
  • Year 2: $96,954
  • Year 3: $102,546
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $60,839
  • Year 3: $80,009
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $72,655
  • Year 2: $72,214
  • Year 3: $79,002
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $61,253
  • Year 2: $66,240
  • Year 3: $76,272
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $69,913
  • Year 2: $68,219
  • Year 3: $75,983
Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $70,168
  • Year 2: $61,516
  • Year 3: $74,579
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $56,562
  • Year 2: $71,015
  • Year 3: $72,349

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