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.
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![]() Middle Tennessee State University |
![]() University of South Alabama |
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Overview |
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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% |
![]() |
Yes | No |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 68.4% | 70.8% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$25
Graduate:
$35
|
Undergraduate:
$35
Graduate:
$35
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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 |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price |
In state:
$24,554
Out of state:
$43,586
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In state:
$23,838
Out of state:
$32,094
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Average net price | $12,617 | $14,984 |
Tuition |
In state:
$7,344
Out of state:
$26,376
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In state:
$8,256
Out of state:
$16,512
|
Room & board | $9,576 |
Room/dormitory:
$4,260
Meal plan:
$3,890
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Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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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 |
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Students and Campus |
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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
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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 |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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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 |
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Outcome |
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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)
Psychology, General (Master's Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Construction Management (Bachelor's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other (Master's Degrees)
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
Engineering-Related Fields (Bachelor's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Graduate/Professional Certificates)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees)
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees)
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees)
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