Columbia International University vs. Middle Tennessee State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbia International University in Columbia, SC with Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Middle Tennessee State University is larger than Columbia International University based on total student enrollment (20,488 students vs. 2,914 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbia International University is located in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting); Middle Tennessee State University is in Murfreesboro, TN (Midsize City setting).
• Columbia International University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Middle Tennessee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbia International University 13:1; Middle Tennessee State University 17:1.

Columbia International University vs. Middle Tennessee State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia International University or Middle Tennessee State University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Middle Tennessee State University than Columbia International University ($13,859 vs. $26,056).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia International University are 2.4% lower than at Middle Tennessee State University ($11,950 vs. $12,242).
• Columbia International University is 171.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Middle Tennessee State University (about $17,634 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $10,266.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.2% higher at Middle Tennessee State University than at Columbia International University (about $3,674 more per year; $31,574.00 vs. $27,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbia International University than at Middle Tennessee State University (95% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia International University students is 59.5% larger than aid received by Middle Tennessee State University students ($17,009 vs. $10,665).

Columbia International University vs. Middle Tennessee State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbia International University or Middle Tennessee State University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Middle Tennessee State University and Columbia International University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Middle Tennessee State University (1120) is 30 points higher than at Columbia International University (1090).
• Incoming Middle Tennessee State University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (23 vs. 20 at Columbia International University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Columbia International University 990/1195; Middle Tennessee State University 1010/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Columbia International University 16/25; Middle Tennessee State University 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia International University - Test optional; Middle Tennessee State University - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia International University Aug 1, 2027; Middle Tennessee State University Aug 15, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Middle Tennessee State University students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.64) than students at Columbia International University (3.5).
• Columbia International University has a higher acceptance rate (94.5%) than Middle Tennessee State University (69.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 35.1% at Columbia International University vs. 30.4% at Middle Tennessee State University.

Columbia International University vs. Middle Tennessee State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia International University and Middle Tennessee State University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Columbia International University's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than Middle Tennessee State University's (45%).
• Graduates from Middle Tennessee State University earn a median of about $8,900 more per year than Columbia International University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,300 vs. $33,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have a $258 lower median loan debt than Middle Tennessee State University graduates ($21,500 vs. $21,758).
• Among borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Middle Tennessee State University graduates ($222 vs. $224).
• More Columbia International University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Middle Tennessee State University students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 50%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.