Middle Tennessee State University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
MTSU admits many applicants, but its enrolled students still cluster around a 3.65 GPA and a 20 to 26 ACT range. If you submit scores, aim for a 24 to 26 ACT, or about 1150+ SAT, to put yourself in the stronger part of the applicant pool.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Middle Tennessee State University facts and stats
Middle Tennessee State University enrolls 18,042 undergraduates in an urban campus setting. MTSU has a freshman retention rate of 79%, above the national average of roughly 70%. Its 6-year graduation rate is 54%, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 16.5:1.
Murfreesboro, TN
How do your scores compare at MTSU?
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Key Middle Tennessee State University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
August 15
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
July 1
Financial Aid Priority
March 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to test-optional MTSU, take your first SAT or ACT by spring of junior year so you have the summer before senior year and fall of senior year available for superscore-focused retakes. Since MTSU’s Regular Decision deadline is August 15, aim to have any scores for MTSU finished by a summer retake because fall senior-year scores may arrive too late.
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What you'll actually pay
MTSU, a public Conference USA school, lists in-state tuition at $7,944 and out-of-state tuition at $28,560. About 36% of students receive aid, and the average merit award is $10,007, offering a scholarship opportunity. Submit the FAFSA by the March 1 priority deadline.
As a public university, MTSU lists out-of-state tuition at $28,560, while in-state tuition is $7,944; room and board adds $12,242. About 36% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $12,652. Merit awards average $10,007, and some listed scholarships have a 2.00+ GPA threshold. Students graduate with an average debt of $23,748.
Student life at Middle Tennessee State University
17% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: No guarantee
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 5% of men join fraternities, and 6% of women join sororities.
Similar schools
American Baptist College
Nashville, TNAcceptance rate: 100%
Aquinas College, Tennessee
Nashville, TNAcceptance rate: 51.9%
ACT: 21–26
Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, TNAcceptance rate: 96.4%
SAT: 828–1108
ACT: 13–21
Belmont University
Nashville, TNAcceptance rate: 95.3%
SAT: 1160–1350
ACT: 24–30
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