Middle Tennessee State University admits approximately 68% of applicants, meaning roughly 2 in 3 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places MTSU within the moderately selective tier for four-year institutions. The peer median admission rate of 78.1% indicates that MTSU maintains slightly more selective standards than typical institutions of similar size and mission, with a 10.1 percentage point difference favoring greater selectivity. This level of selectivity means that students with solid academic preparation have strong prospects for admission, while the university maintains standards that support academic rigor. Students should view MTSU as an accessible option that balances opportunity with quality outcomes. For prospective students, this admission rate suggests building a college list that includes both more and less selective options, treating MTSU as a solid match school for students with above-average academic preparation. The university's 34.7% transfer student share indicates substantial pathways for community college students and those seeking to change institutions. Students considering MTSU should focus on demonstrating academic readiness and alignment with the university's programs rather than viewing admission as highly uncertain.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at Middle Tennessee State University typically score between 1000-1230 on the SAT, with a median of 1119. Math scores range from 490-600, while verbal scores span 510-630, indicating balanced academic preparation across quantitative and verbal domains. ACT scores for enrolled students range from 19-26, with a median of 23, demonstrating solid college readiness. These ranges represent the middle 50% of enrolled students, meaning 25% score above and 25% score below these ranges. Students scoring below the 25th percentile should expect to be at a competitive disadvantage but are not automatically excluded from consideration. The peer median SAT of 1198 shows that MTSU students score 79 points below typical peer institutions, while the peer median ACT of 25 indicates a 2-point gap. However, MTSU's test score performance ranks at the 90th percentile nationally among all institutions, demonstrating excellent academic standards relative to the broader higher education landscape. Students should consider whether their academic profile aligns with these ranges when building their college list, recognizing that MTSU maintains solid academic expectations while remaining accessible to students with varied preparation levels.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
Middle Tennessee State University enrolls 31.4% Pell-eligible students and 36.4% first-generation students, indicating substantial representation of students from lower-income families and those whose parents did not attend college. The 34.7% transfer student share demonstrates significant pathways for community college graduates and students changing institutions. This composition suggests that MTSU prioritizes educational access alongside academic preparation, creating opportunities for students from diverse economic and educational backgrounds. The Pell share indicates that roughly 1 in 3 students receive federal need-based aid, while more than 1 in 3 students are breaking new ground as first-generation college attendees. The substantial transfer population reflects the university's commitment to serving students at different points in their educational journey. First-generation students should know that 36.4% of enrolled students share their background, creating a substantial peer community with similar experiences. Students from lower-income families should consider the 31.4% Pell share when assessing fit and support systems. Transfer applicants should note the significant 34.7% transfer enrollment, indicating established pathways and support systems for students transitioning from other institutions.
Given MTSU's 68% acceptance rate, most qualified applicants receive admission offers. However, students seeking alternatives should consider these options with comparable outcomes.
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Middle Tennessee State University retains 77.6% of freshmen for sophomore year, compared to a peer median of 83.7%, indicating retention rates 6.1 percentage points below similar institutions. The university graduates 54% of students within six years, compared to a peer median completion rate of 65.9%, showing an 11.9 percentage point gap. Pell-eligible students graduate at 50.5%, creating a 3.5 percentage point gap between overall and Pell completion rates. This gap indicates some challenges for lower-income students but remains within typical ranges for public institutions. The retention and completion data suggest that students who gain admission can expect moderate institutional support for degree completion, with outcomes varying by student background and preparation level. Students considering MTSU should view these completion rates as indicators of the academic environment they'll experience, recognizing that success depends on personal preparation and engagement. Lower-income students should weigh the 3.5 percentage point Pell gap when considering institutional support systems, while understanding that the majority of Pell recipients do complete their degrees. Prospective students should expect to take active responsibility for their academic success while benefiting from the support systems that help most students persist to graduation.
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