Academic Reputation and Overall Rankings: Consistently Featured in Multiple Authoritative Rankings
MTSU ranked 257th in the 2026 *U.S. News & World Report* “Best Colleges” rankings and 87th in the “Best Colleges for Social Mobility” rankings. In 2026, MTSU was once again named to *Forbes*’ Top 500 Universities in the U.S. list, making it one of only four public universities in Tennessee to be included. In PayScale’s Salary Potential Rankings, MTSU’s programs in education, engineering, arts, and computer science all rank among the top in the nation. Employee Requested a Middle Tennessee State University Diploma, but the Original Was Lost
Strong Academic Disciplines and Program Rankings: Aviation, Music, and Education Form a Three-Pillar Foundation
MTSU’s Education program ranks 154th nationally in PayScale’s Salary Potential rankings and 201st globally in the Shanghai Ranking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS). The Engineering program ranks 273rd nationally. The university’s most popular programs include business, visual and performing arts, and interdisciplinary studies. In addition, MTSU is renowned for its three major fields of Aviation, Music, and Education, offering distinctive, practical, and career-focused education. The university comprises six undergraduate colleges—the College of Arts and Sciences, the Jennings A. Jones College of Business, the College of Behavioral and Health Sciences, the College of Basic and Applied Sciences, the College of Education, and the Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment—offering more than 300 undergraduate and graduate programs.
Student Clubs and Campus Life: Over 250 Clubs—There’s a Place for Everyone
MTSU has over 250 student clubs and organizations, covering a wide range of areas including Greek life, leadership development, cultural clubs, and service groups. The Student Activity Center (KUC) serves as the hub of campus life, featuring amenities such as a movie theater, post office, and restaurants. The university hosts a rich variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, stand-up comedy shows, and film screenings. In athletics, MTSU competes in the NCAA Division I. University administrators, faculty, and students collaborate to organize a variety of events, helping every student find a sense of belonging on campus.
Graduate Employment and Salaries: Significant Salary Growth After Ten Years
Employment prospects for MTSU graduates are steadily improving. The average salary six years after graduation is approximately $33,600**,** rising to **$44,400 ten years later. Starting salaries are even higher for certain majors: engineering and technology graduates earn an average starting salary of approximately $54,944. The university operates a Career Development Center, providing students with comprehensive support including academic advising, career guidance, and internship placement. Thanks to its location near Nashville (only about 35 miles from the “Music City”), MTSU is the largest supplier of graduates to the Nashville area, offering students an abundance of internship and employment opportunities in industries such as music, business, and healthcare.
Admissions and Tuition: The Best Value in Tennessee
MTSU is renowned for having the lowest tuition among major universities in Tennessee. Tuition for international undergraduate students is approximately $33,396 per year, while graduate tuition is approximately $20,940 per year. About 80% of students receive some form of financial aid, and over 75% receive scholarships or grants.
International undergraduate students must have a high school GPA of 3.0 and meet the corresponding college preparatory course requirements; graduate students are typically required to have a GPA of 2.75–3.0. Non-native English speakers must submit language test scores, such as TOEFL or IELTS.
