Alabama vs. Middle Tennessee State University

Comparable Facts

Compare The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL with Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

The University of Alabama is larger than Middle Tennessee State University based on total student enrollment (40,846 students vs. 20,488 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• The University of Alabama is located in Tuscaloosa, AL (Small City setting); Middle Tennessee State University is in Murfreesboro, TN (Midsize City setting).
• The University of Alabama is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Middle Tennessee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: The University of Alabama 19:1; Middle Tennessee State University 17:1.

Alabama vs. Middle Tennessee State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alabama 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 Alabama ($13,859 vs. $22,559).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Middle Tennessee State University are 18.5% lower than at The University of Alabama ($12,242 vs. $15,016).
• The University of Alabama is 18.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Middle Tennessee State University (about $1,914 more per year; $12,180.00 vs. $10,266.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.2% higher at Alabama than at Middle Tennessee State University (about $2,598 more per year; $34,172.00 vs. $31,574.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Middle Tennessee State University than at The University of Alabama (94% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by The University of Alabama students is 64.1% larger than aid received by Middle Tennessee State University students ($17,503 vs. $10,665).

Alabama vs. Middle Tennessee State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Alabama 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 Alabama.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at The University of Alabama (1290) is 170 points higher than at Middle Tennessee State University (1120).
• Incoming Alabama students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 23 at Middle Tennessee State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Alabama 1170/1400; Middle Tennessee State University 1010/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Alabama 24/31; Middle Tennessee State University 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alabama - Test optional; Middle Tennessee State University - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Alabama May 1, 2027; Middle Tennessee State University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Alabama students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.76) than students at Middle Tennessee State University (3.64).
• Alabama has a higher acceptance rate (76.6%) than Middle Tennessee State University (69.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.5% at Alabama vs. 30.4% at Middle Tennessee State University.

Alabama vs. Middle Tennessee State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alabama 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).

• The University of Alabama's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than Middle Tennessee State University's (45%).
• Graduates from The University of Alabama earn a median of about $7,600 more per year than Middle Tennessee State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,900 vs. $42,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Middle Tennessee State University graduates have a $1,992 lower median loan debt than Alabama graduates ($21,758 vs. $23,750).
• Among borrowers, Middle Tennessee State University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alabama graduates ($224 vs. $245).
• More Alabama graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Middle Tennessee State University students, three years after graduation. (59% 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.