Middle Tennessee State University vs Ole Miss: Introduction
When deciding which college to attend, many factors come into play, such as cost, location, programs offered, and campus life. This article will compare two universities, Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) and Ole Miss (University of Mississippi), to help make your decision a little easier. We’ll walk through overviews, costs, admissions, academics, and more to provide you with an in-depth look at these schools.
Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)
Overview
Middle Tennessee State University, founded in 1911, is a public institution located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. MTSU is the largest undergraduate university in the state, offering over 300 programs and degrees.
Costs & Tuition
In-state tuition for MTSU is approximately $9,226 per year, while out-of-state tuition is around $27,742. The overall cost of attendance, including room and board, is estimated at $22,000 per year for in-state students and $40,000 for out-of-state students.
Admissions
MTSU has an acceptance rate of around 94%, making it relatively easy to gain admission. The average high school GPA for incoming students is 3.42. SAT and ACT scores are optional but may be used for scholarships.
Degrees Offered
MTSU offers over 300 academic programs, including more than 140 undergraduate majors and minors, 100 graduate programs, and 40 doctoral programs in various fields.
Academics
MTSU is known for its strong programs in aerospace, music, nursing, and concrete industry management. The university has a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and approximately 38% of its classes have fewer than 20 students.
Diversity
MTSU has a diverse student population, with over 20% of students identifying as part of a minority group.
Students
MTSU has a total student population of over 22,000, with around 19,000 undergraduate students and 3,000 graduate students.
Campus
The MTSU campus spans over 550 acres and includes more than 250 student organizations, multiple dining options, and on-campus housing.
Alumni
Notable MTSU alumni include musicians Chris Young and Hillary Scott, former NFL player Kelly Holcomb, and astronaut Barry Wilmore.
Rankings
MTSU is ranked #298-389 in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report.
Outcomes
MTSU has a graduation rate of 44% and an average starting salary for graduates of $37,900.
Ole Miss (University of Mississippi)
Overview
The University of Mississippi, also known as Ole Miss, is a public research university founded in 1848. It is located in Oxford, Mississippi, and offers over 300 programs and degrees.
Costs & Tuition
In-state tuition for Ole Miss is approximately $8,660 per year, while out-of-state tuition is around $25,500. The overall cost of attendance, including room and board, is estimated at $23,000 per year for in-state students and $39,000 for out-of-state students.
Admissions
Ole Miss has an acceptance rate of around 88%, making it moderately selective. The average high school GPA for incoming students is 3.59. SAT and ACT scores are required for admission, with the average scores being 1140 and 25, respectively.
Degrees Offered
Ole Miss offers over 300 academic programs, including more than 100 undergraduate majors, 70 graduate programs, and 15 doctoral programs in various fields.
Academics
Ole Miss is known for its strong programs in journalism, pharmacy, and business. The university has a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and approximately 39% of its classes have fewer than 20 students.
Diversity
Ole Miss has a diverse student population, with over 25% of students identifying as part of a minority group.
Students
Ole Miss has a total student population of over 23,000, with around 19,000 undergraduate students and 4,000 graduate students.
Campus
The Ole Miss campus spans over 3,500 acres and includes more than 350 student organizations, multiple dining options, and on-campus housing.
Alumni
Notable Ole Miss alumni include author William Faulkner, NFL player Eli Manning, and journalist Shepard Smith.
Rankings
Ole Miss is ranked #160 in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report.
Outcomes
Ole Miss has a graduation rate of 63% and an average starting salary for graduates of $42,600.
MTSU vs Ole Miss: Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending MTSU and Ole Miss, it’s essential to consider both tuition and the overall cost of attendance. For in-state students, Ole Miss is slightly more affordable with a tuition of $8,660 compared to MTSU’s tuition of $9,226. Out-of-state students will find similar tuition costs between the two schools, with Ole Miss at $25,500 and MTSU at $27,742.
In terms of overall cost of attendance, including room and board, both schools are similar for in-state and out-of-state students. MTSU’s total cost of attendance is estimated at $22,000 for in-state students and $40,000 for out-of-state students. Ole Miss’s total cost of attendance is estimated at $23,000 for in-state students and $39,000 for out-of-state students.
MTSU vs Ole Miss: Admissions Difficulty
Both MTSU and Ole Miss have relatively high acceptance rates, with MTSU at 94% and Ole Miss at 88%. However, Ole Miss has slightly higher admission standards, with an average incoming student GPA of 3.59 compared to MTSU’s 3.42. Additionally, Ole Miss requires SAT or ACT scores for admission, while MTSU considers them optional.
MTSU vs Ole Miss: Academic Difficulty
In terms of academic rigor, both MTSU and Ole Miss have similar student-to-faculty ratios, with MTSU at 16:1 and Ole Miss at 17:1. Both schools have a similar percentage of classes with fewer than 20 students, with MTSU at 38% and Ole Miss at 39%.
MTSU and Ole Miss both offer a wide range of academic programs, with MTSU offering slightly more graduate programs and doctoral programs. While both schools have strong programs in various fields, Ole Miss has a higher overall national ranking, coming in at #160 compared to MTSU’s ranking of #298-389.
MTSU vs Ole Miss: Outcome Comparison
Looking at outcomes for graduates, Ole Miss has a higher graduation rate of 63% compared to MTSU’s rate of 44%. Additionally, Ole Miss graduates have a higher average starting salary of $42,600, while MTSU graduates have an average starting salary of $37,900.
In conclusion, both MTSU and Ole Miss have their advantages and drawbacks in terms of costs, academics, and outcomes. Ultimately, it’s crucial to consider your personal preferences, academic goals, and financial situation when deciding between these two universities.