Southern Illinois University vs. Middle Tennessee State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Southern Illinois University Carbondale in Carbondale, IL 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 Southern Illinois University based on total student enrollment (20,488 students vs. 11,790 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is located in Carbondale, IL (Rural Fringe setting); Middle Tennessee State University is in Murfreesboro, TN (Midsize City setting).
• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Middle Tennessee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 11:1; Middle Tennessee State University 17:1.

Southern Illinois University vs. Middle Tennessee State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Southern Illinois 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 Southern Illinois University Carbondale than Middle Tennessee State University ($13,473 vs. $13,859).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Middle Tennessee State University are 0.8% lower than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale ($12,242 vs. $12,341).
• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is 29.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Middle Tennessee State University (about $3,068 more per year; $13,334.00 vs. $10,266.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 136.8% higher at Middle Tennessee State University than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (about $18,240 more per year; $31,574.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Illinois University Carbondale than at Middle Tennessee State University (95% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Illinois University Carbondale students is 27.6% larger than aid received by Middle Tennessee State University students ($13,610 vs. $10,665).

Southern Illinois University vs. Middle Tennessee State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Southern Illinois University or Middle Tennessee State University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Middle Tennessee State University and Southern Illinois University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Middle Tennessee State University (1120) is 90 points higher than at Southern Illinois University (1030).
• Incoming Middle Tennessee State University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at Southern Illinois University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 900/1160; Middle Tennessee State University 1010/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 18/25; Middle Tennessee State University 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Southern Illinois University - Test optional; Middle Tennessee State University - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Middle Tennessee State University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Middle Tennessee State University students have a 0.4 point higher average high school GPA (3.64) than students at Southern Illinois University (3.24).
• Southern Illinois University has a higher acceptance rate (86.9%) than Middle Tennessee State University (69.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at Southern Illinois University vs. 30.4% at Middle Tennessee State University.

Southern Illinois University vs. Middle Tennessee State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Southern Illinois University and Middle Tennessee State University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Middle Tennessee State University's six-year graduation rate (45%) is higher than Southern Illinois University Carbondale's (44%).
• Graduates from Southern Illinois University Carbondale earn a median of about $5,500 more per year than Middle Tennessee State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $42,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Middle Tennessee State University graduates have a $742 lower median loan debt than Southern Illinois University graduates ($21,758 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, Middle Tennessee State University graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southern Illinois University graduates ($224 vs. $232).
• More Southern Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Middle Tennessee State University students, three years after graduation. (51% 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.