Middle Tennessee State University is a public research university located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, about 55 kilometres southeast of Nashville. Founded in 1911, it enrolls close to 22,000 students across eight undergraduate colleges and the College of Graduate Studies, and is ranked #257 in National Universities by US News Best Colleges 2026.
MTSU offers more than 300 degree programmes fully in English, including flagship majors in Aerospace, Recording Industry, Concrete Industry Management, Computer Science, and Business. For Indian applicants, the university runs two intakes a year (Fall and Spring), automatically screens every international applicant for scholarships up to USD 16,000, and processes admission decisions on a priority basis. Its MS universities in USA profile draws steady Indian interest, particularly in Computer Science and Engineering Technology.
- US News National Ranking (2026): #257
- Acceptance Rate: 68%
- Intakes: Fall (primary) and Spring
- Graduate Tuition (Out-of-State): USD 21,228 to USD 25,426 per year (INR 20.3 to INR 24.3 lakh)
- Application Fee: USD 30 (UG), USD 50 (Graduate)
Also Check: MS in USA for Indian Students
MTSU has allocated USD 2 million annually to its International Merit Scholarship pool, with automatic tiered awards based on GPA and no separate application. Indian students on F-1 status qualify for Optional Practical Training (OPT) for up to 12 months after graduation, extended to 36 months for STEM designated majors. Total investment for a graduate programme, including cost of living in the USA, sits between INR 30 lakh and INR 45 lakh depending on housing choice.
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = INR 95.75 as of August 2026
Admission Status: Open (Spring 2027 intake). International undergraduate applicants must submit by 1 November 2026; international graduate applicants by 1 October 2026. The next cycle, for Fall 2027 entry, is expected to open October 2026 with a final undergraduate deadline of 1 July 2027 and a final graduate deadline of 1 June 2027.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and Fees at Middle Tennessee State University 2027
- Middle Tennessee State University Admission 2027
- Middle Tennessee State University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- Middle Tennessee State University Acceptance Rate 2027
- MTSU Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- Middle Tennessee State University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- Middle Tennessee State University Scholarships 2027
- Middle Tennessee State University Rankings 2027
- Middle Tennessee State University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- Middle Tennessee State University vs Peer Universities
- Middle Tennessee State University FAQs
Popular Courses at Middle Tennessee State University and MTSU Fees 2027
MTSU offers over 300 programmes across eight undergraduate colleges and the College of Graduate Studies. Undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees for out-of-state and international students total roughly USD 34,888 per year, calculated on a 14-credit-hour full-time load. Graduate tuition is billed per credit hour at approximately USD 1,026 to USD 1,062, producing a full-time annual bill of USD 21,228 to USD 25,426 for a typical 20-24 credit load. Programme durations follow standard US patterns: four years for bachelor’s, one to two years for master’s, and three to five years for doctoral work.
Top Postgraduate Programmes and MTSU Fees 2027
Master’s programmes at MTSU typically run 30 to 36 credit hours. Total tuition below reflects out-of-state international rates at USD 1,026 per credit hour, aggregated across the full degree.
| Programme | Total Tuition (USD) | Total Tuition (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS Computer Science | 30,780 to 36,936 | 29.5 to 35.4 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MS Engineering Technology | 30,780 to 36,936 | 29.5 to 35.4 lakh | Bachelor’s in engineering with 55% (recommended) |
| MBA (Jennings A. Jones College of Business) | 32,832 to 39,398 | 31.4 to 37.7 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10; GMAT/GRE conditional (recommended) |
| MS Finance | 30,780 to 36,936 | 29.5 to 35.4 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended) |
| MS Aviation Administration | 30,780 to 36,936 | 29.5 to 35.4 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended) |
| MS Leisure and Sport Management | 30,780 to 36,936 | 29.5 to 35.4 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended) |
| MA Psychology (School Psychology) | 30,780 to 36,936 | 29.5 to 35.4 lakh | Bachelor’s in psychology with 55% (recommended) |
| MS Chemistry | 30,780 to 36,936 | 29.5 to 35.4 lakh | Bachelor’s in chemistry with 55% (recommended) |
| MS Economics | 30,780 to 36,936 | 29.5 to 35.4 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended) |
| MS Nursing | 30,780 to 36,936 | 29.5 to 35.4 lakh | Bachelor’s in Nursing with 55% (recommended) |
Top Undergraduate Programmes and MTSU Fees 2027
Bachelor’s degrees at MTSU run for four years across 120 credit hours. Out-of-state tuition and fees sit at USD 34,888 per year, producing a four-year total in the range shown below.
| Programme | Total Tuition (USD) | Total Tuition (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| BS Aerospace | 139,552 | 133.6 lakh | Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended) |
| BS Computer Science | 139,552 | 133.6 lakh | Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended) |
| BBA Management | 139,552 | 133.6 lakh | Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended) |
| BS Nursing | 139,552 | 133.6 lakh | Class 12 with 80% and prerequisites (recommended) |
| BA English | 139,552 | 133.6 lakh | Class 12 with 70% (recommended) |
Insider note: Indian applicants cluster in MS Computer Science, MS Engineering Technology, and MBA, with the Recording Industry, Aerospace, and Concrete Industry Management undergraduate tracks pulling niche interest.
Read More: Middle Tennessee State University Fees and Programs
Middle Tennessee State University Admission 2027
MTSU admissions run on two intakes for international applicants: Fall (primary intake, August start) and Spring (January start). Fall accepts the largest cohort of Indian applicants and offers full access to scholarships and assistantships.
MTSU UG Admission Dates 2027
Undergraduate international deadlines follow the calendar below, with all dates copied from the MTSU Office of International Affairs.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2027 UG deadline | 1 November 2026 | Apply 10 weeks earlier for smooth I-20 issuance |
| Fall 2027 UG deadline | 1 July 2027 | Priority processing before 1 May 2027 |
| Credential verification (WES/ECE) | Start 8 weeks before deadline | Course-by-course evaluation is mandatory |
| Programme start (Fall 2027) | August 2027 | Arrive at least 5 days before orientation |
MTSU PG Admission Dates 2027
Graduate deadlines are earlier than undergraduate and vary by department, so verify with your target programme before finalising your timeline.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2027 Graduate deadline | 1 October 2026 | Departments may close earlier; verify at official page |
| Fall 2027 Graduate deadline | 1 June 2027 | MBA and Nursing typically close in April |
| GRE/GMAT reporting (test code 1466) | 2 to 3 weeks before deadline | ETS score delivery from India takes up to 10 days |
| Programme start (Fall 2027) | August 2027 | Assistantship offers usually confirmed by June |
Planning note: Indian applicants should complete WES evaluation and IELTS or TOEFL testing at least three months before the graduate deadline to leave room for I-20 processing and visa scheduling at the US Consulate in Mumbai or Chennai.
Read More: Middle Tennessee State University Admissions Guide
Middle Tennessee State University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
MTSU admission requirements for Indian applicants split by degree level, with distinct academic and English proficiency floors for undergraduate and graduate entry.
Graduate (PG) Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) from a UGC-recognised university; MBA and MS Finance prefer 60% and above.
- English proficiency: TOEFL iBT 71, IELTS overall 6.0, Duolingo 95, Pearson PTE 70, or ELS Level 112 certificate.
- WES or ECE course-by-course evaluation of all Indian transcripts (mandatory for admission and I-20).
- GRE or GMAT per department; MBA accepts GMAT test code varies; general GRE code is 1466.
Undergraduate (UG) Requirements
- Class 12 with 70% or above (recommended); Nursing and Professional Pilot programmes prefer 80% plus subject prerequisites.
- English proficiency: TOEFL iBT 61, IELTS 5.5, Duolingo 85, iTEP 3.5, or Pearson PTE 59; Nursing and Pilot require IELTS 6.0 and TOEFL iBT 70.
- Certification of Finances with bank statement on official letterhead covering one full academic year.
Key insight: MTSU does not require SAT or ACT for undergraduate admission of international applicants and does not require GRE for all master’s programmes, which lowers the testing burden compared with many US universities.
Middle Tennessee State University Acceptance Rate 2027
Middle Tennessee State University has an overall acceptance rate of 68% per its most recent Common Data Set. This is a broadly accessible admission profile compared with US flagship publics, though international admission is competitive on English proficiency and financial documentation.
| Year | Acceptance Rate | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 68% | Stable |
| 2024 | 69% | Marginal easing |
MTSU practices holistic review for international applicants, weighing academic transcripts, English test scores, and Certification of Finances alongside programme-specific documents.
Reality check: A 68% acceptance rate is generous by US standards, but Indian applicants still fail on incomplete WES evaluations, weak Statements of Purpose, and short bank documentation.
Read More: Middle Tennessee State University Acceptance Rate
MTSU Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
Total annual cost for an international student at MTSU sits between USD 41,000 and USD 51,000 (INR 39.3 lakh to INR 48.8 lakh), covering tuition, mandatory fees, housing, food, insurance, and personal expenses.
MTSU Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027
Out-of-state tuition applies uniformly to international applicants and is charged per credit hour. Full-time equivalents below.
| Level | Annual Tuition and Fees (USD) | Annual Tuition and Fees (INR lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (out-of-state) | 34,888 | 33.4 lakh |
| Graduate (out-of-state, full-time) | 21,228 to 25,426 | 20.3 to 24.3 lakh |
| MBA | 32,832 to 39,398 (total) | 31.4 to 37.7 lakh (total) |
Monthly Cost of Living in Murfreesboro for Indian Students
Murfreesboro is a mid-size Tennessee city with living costs materially lower than Nashville, New York, or California. Apartment rents cluster in the USD 500 to USD 900 band for shared student housing.
| Expense | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (shared) | 500 to 700 (estimated) | INR 47,875 to INR 67,025 |
| Food and groceries | 300 to 400 (estimated) | INR 28,725 to INR 38,300 |
| Transportation | 60 to 100 (estimated) | INR 5,745 to INR 9,575 |
| Books and supplies | 80 to 100 (estimated) | INR 7,660 to INR 9,575 |
| Personal and utilities | 150 to 250 (estimated) | INR 14,363 to INR 23,938 |
| Total monthly | 1,090 to 1,550 (estimated) | INR 1.04 to 1.48 lakh |
| Annual (9 months) | 9,810 to 13,950 (estimated) | INR 9.4 to 13.4 lakh |
[Source: Apartments.com Murfreesboro guide 2026]
Insider note: Off-campus apartments a mile from MTSU rent from USD 400 to USD 600 per bed with three to four roommates, which shaves close to INR 3 lakh a year off the total investment.
Read More: Cost of Living in USA for Indian Students
Middle Tennessee State University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
The main MTSU campus spans 500 acres in Murfreesboro, a college town roughly 55 kilometres from downtown Nashville.
- Location and transport: Direct Raider Xpress shuttle links campus to Nashville International Airport; local Rover buses are free for students.
- Housing: On-campus room and board runs USD 10,000 per year; on-campus housing is available but not guaranteed for international students.
- Notable facilities: Concrete and Construction Management lab, Flight Ops centre at Murfreesboro Airport, and the Bragg Media and Entertainment Building.
- Indian community: The MTSU Indian Students Association hosts Diwali and Holi events; students report a small but active Indian cohort.
What Indian students say: Campus is safe and walkable, and cost of living is significantly lower than in California or the East Coast. Downside is fewer Indian grocery stores than in larger US metros, though Nashville is a 45-minute drive away.
Middle Tennessee State University Scholarships 2027
MTSU allocates USD 2 million annually to international scholarships. All international applicants are auto-considered; no separate application is required.
| Scholarship | Type | Award Value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Merit Scholarship (Tier 1) | Merit | USD 4,000 per year (INR 3.83 lakh) | GPA 3.25 to 3.49 on 4.0 scale | Same as admission deadline |
| International Merit Scholarship (Tier 2) | Merit | USD 8,000 per year (INR 7.66 lakh) | GPA 3.50 to 3.74 on 4.0 scale | Same as admission deadline |
| International Merit Scholarship (Tier 3) | Merit | USD 16,000 per year (INR 15.32 lakh) | GPA 3.75 to 4.0 on 4.0 scale | Same as admission deadline |
| Graduate Assistantship | Merit and service | Tuition remission plus stipend; verify at official page | Admitted graduate students; department nomination | Verify with department |
[Source: MTSU Office of International Affairs]
Insider note: MTSU scholarships are renewable annually if you maintain a 3.0 GPA and full-time enrolment, so an Indian applicant with a strong CGPA 8.5 plus can lock in USD 64,000 across a four-year bachelor’s.
Read More: Middle Tennessee State University Scholarships Guide
Middle Tennessee State University Rankings 2027
MTSU’s most consistent ranking is US News Best Colleges, which placed it #257 in National Universities for 2026, an improvement from #273 the prior year.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| US News National (Best Colleges) | 2026: #257 | 2025: #273 | 2024: verify at official page |
| US News Social Mobility | 2025: #92 | Prior: NA | Prior: NA |
| QS World | Not ranked in QS 2027 | Not ranked | Not ranked |
| THE World | Not ranked in THE 2026 | Not ranked | Not ranked |
[Source: US News, QS, THE]
Key insight: A US News National ranking of #257 keeps MTSU comfortably within the pool of universities recognised by Indian public-sector recruiters and PSU banks for education loans, and its F-1 designation supports full OPT eligibility.
Read More: Middle Tennessee State University Rankings Analysis
Middle Tennessee State University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
MTSU reports strong employment outcomes for graduates, with the Aerospace, Computer Science, and Business colleges leading employer recruitment.
- Median starting salary (Bachelor’s): USD 48,000 to USD 55,000 (INR 45.96 to INR 52.66 lakh), market median.
- MS Computer Science median: USD 75,000 to USD 90,000 (INR 71.81 to INR 86.18 lakh), market median.
- Top employer sectors: Aerospace, IT services, financial services, and health systems.
- Career support: Career Development Center runs mock interviews, LinkedIn workshops, and OPT/CPT briefings for F-1 students.
- Post-study work: 12 months OPT for all F-1 graduates; 36 months for STEM designated MS majors including Computer Science and Engineering Technology; F-1 visa guide.
Insider note: Indian MS Computer Science and Engineering Technology graduates cluster in Nashville tech firms and regional aerospace employers such as FedEx and Delta, with H-1B sponsorship reasonably common in year two of OPT.
Middle Tennessee State University vs Peer Universities
Peer set below covers regional Tennessee and Southeastern US public universities with similar tuition bands and Indian student volumes.
| University | US News National 2026 | Avg Annual PG Fee | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Middle Tennessee State University | #257 | USD 23,000 (INR 22.0 lakh) | Auto merit scholarship up to USD 16,000 |
| University of Memphis | #310 | USD 25,000 (INR 23.9 lakh) | Larger urban campus, similar tier |
| East Tennessee State University | #331 | USD 22,000 (INR 21.1 lakh) | Health sciences focus |
| Tennessee Tech University | #289 | USD 24,000 (INR 23.0 lakh) | Engineering strength |
| Murray State University | #299 | USD 21,000 (INR 20.1 lakh) | Cheaper cost of living |
[Source: US News 2026, university tuition pages]
MTSU stands out among Tennessee peers on scholarship auto-award, cost of living in Murfreesboro, and a rare undergraduate Aerospace programme with in-house flight ops.
Middle Tennessee State University fits Indian applicants who want an affordable, well-recognised US public with strong STEM designated MS options and near-guaranteed merit money. With total investment of INR 30 lakh to INR 45 lakh for a full graduate degree against a median starting salary of INR 71.81 lakh, ROI is comfortably positive within the OPT window; study in USA pathways further reduce visa risk.
MTSU is not the right fit if you want a top-100 US News research university, prefer a coastal metro campus, or need a QS-ranked institution for visa or employer filters back in India; the University of Cincinnati or Arizona State University are stronger alternatives on those axes.
Middle Tennessee State University FAQs
Ques. Is MTSU a good university for Indian MS students?
Ans. Yes. Middle Tennessee State University is a US News #257 National University with STEM designated MS Computer Science and MS Engineering Technology programmes that qualify for 36 months of OPT. Automatic merit scholarships up to USD 16,000 per year and a tuition bill of roughly USD 23,000 make it one of the more affordable US options for Indian applicants seeking H-1B pathways.
Ques. Does MTSU require GRE for master’s admission?
Ans. Not universally. GRE requirements vary by department at Middle Tennessee State University. MS Computer Science and MS Engineering Technology typically waive GRE for applicants with strong academic records. The MBA at the Jones College of Business will consider GMAT or GRE waivers based on undergraduate GPA above 3.0 or five years of managerial work experience.
Ques. Can Indian students work part-time at MTSU?
Ans. Yes. F-1 international students at MTSU can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during semesters and 40 hours per week during official breaks. Off-campus work requires CPT after two consecutive semesters or OPT after graduation. Typical on-campus roles include library assistant, teaching assistant, and dining services, paying USD 10 to USD 15 per hour.
Ques. What is the MTSU application fee for Indian students?
Ans. The application fee at Middle Tennessee State University is USD 30 for undergraduate applicants and USD 50 for graduate applicants, with a higher USD 70 fee for the Physician Assistant Studies programme. Fees are payable by international credit card and are non-refundable. There is no automatic waiver for Indian applicants, but the fee is waived on deferred or subsequent undergraduate applications.
Ques. Does MTSU accept Duolingo for Indian applicants?
Ans. Yes. MTSU accepts the Duolingo English Test with a minimum score of 85 for undergraduate applicants and 95 for graduate applicants. Nursing and Professional Pilot programmes require a higher Duolingo score of 95. Pearson PTE, iTEP, IELTS, and TOEFL iBT are also accepted, giving Indian applicants flexibility on test choice and cost.
Ques. Which Indian banks offer education loans for MTSU?
Ans. Major Indian lenders including State Bank of India, HDFC Credila, Axis Bank, ICICI Bank, and Avanse recognise Middle Tennessee State University for education loans. Loan amounts up to INR 1.5 crore are available with collateral for graduate programmes. MTSU’s F-1 designation and US News National ranking of #257 keep it within most lenders’ approved university lists.
Ques. Are there Indian dependents allowed on F-2 visa at MTSU?
Ans. Yes. Spouses and children of MTSU F-1 students can accompany them on F-2 dependent visas. F-2 dependents cannot work in the US but can enrol in K-12 schooling and part-time academic study. Indian applicants must submit additional Certification of Finances covering dependent living costs, typically an extra USD 6,000 per dependent per year.
Ques. What documents do Indian applicants need for MTSU I-20?
Ans. To receive the I-20 from Middle Tennessee State University, Indian applicants must submit a passport copy, bank statement on official letterhead showing at least one year of tuition and living expenses, a sponsor affidavit if funds are family-sourced, and the admission decision. Processing typically takes two to three weeks after all documents are cleared by International Admissions.
Middle Tennessee State University Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Application Fees | Eligibility | Financial Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
M.S Computer Science 2 years | Scholarship Deadline for 2027 Intake (1st Oct 2026) Application Deadline For Spring 2027 Intake (1st Oct 2026) | USD 26,175 /Yr | 50 | TOEFL iBT: 71 | IELTS: 6.0 | Duolingo: 95 | |
| USD 20,940 /Yr | 50 | TOEFL iBT: 71 | IELTS: 6.0 | Duolingo: 95 | - |
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Middle Tennessee State University Reviews
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1 Reviews Found
Overview
I got a great scholarship that was both prestigious and covered a fair amount of my expenses. The staff seemed great. The general atmosphere was welcoming. The strength of program of the program they offered.
Fees
I really don't know. I didn't handle the finances. Thankfully. my parents handled that for me. I got a Scholarship and I worked as an RA. As an RA, I got a cheaper room rate and a cheaper meal plan. It was still expensive, though. And my scholarship didn't cover everything. I am so grateful for my parents.
Middle Tennessee State University Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Comindware Scholarship | Scholarship per student$4,000 | Level Of StudyApprenticeship | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Forktip Women’s- Innovation Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| FINCAD Women in Finance Scholarship | Scholarship per student$20,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based |
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Middle Tennessee State University Admissions
Application Portal: https://www.mtsu.edu/applynow/
Early Action Deadlines
Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)Regular Decision Deadlines
Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)
Middle Tennessee State University Exam Scores
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
Middle Tennessee State University Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16774 | 12160 | 4614 | 572 |



















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