Understanding Middle Tennessee State University Tuition and Fees
Navigating the costs associated with higher education can be daunting. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the tuition, fees, and other expenses associated with attending Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). It aims to offer clarity on sticker prices, total costs, financial aid options, and other factors influencing the overall cost of attendance.
Tuition and Fees: The Sticker Price
Middle Tennessee State University's tuition is $13,328 for in-state and $36,188 for out-of-state students. These figures include both tuition and fees, also referred to as the sticker price. Compared with the national average cost of in-state tuition of $12,436, Middle Tennessee State University is more expensive. For students coming from out of state, the tuition is more expensive than the national average cost of out-of-state tuition of $29,815. Fees differ by institution and may fund library services, student gym facilities, student centers, technology resources, and campus health centers.
Total Cost of Attendance
As you’re comparing costs of different institutions, also consider the total cost and the net price. The total cost is the sticker price, plus the cost of food and housing, books and supplies, and transportation and personal expenses. At Middle Tennessee State University, the total cost is $31,528 for in-state students and $53,182 for out-of-state students.
Here's a brief breakdown of the estimated costs for the 2024-2025 academic year for an in-state undergraduate student living on-campus:
- Tuition and fees: Approx. $9,323
- Room and Board (on-campus): $10,358
- Books and Supplies: Around $1,260
You should also consider additional living expenses, which can vary greatly depending on personal spending habits but can include things like transportation costs and personal expenses. A reasonable estimate for these might be around $2,600 per academic year but can be lower or higher.
Read also: Overview of University Heights Middle School
Net Price: Understanding Your Actual Cost
Your net price is a college’s cost of attendance minus the grants and scholarships you receive. The net price you pay for a particular college is specific to you because it’s based on your personal circumstances and the college’s financial aid policies. Use the college’s Net Price calculator for the most accurate estimate of your net price.
Financial Aid Opportunities
MTSU offers one of the best values in higher education. With the Tennessee Education Lottery (HOPE) Scholarship, MTSU Guaranteed Scholarships, and the federal Pell Grant, many students pay little or no tuition. We realize that everyone’s situation is a little different. Yes. By combining scholarships, state and federal grants-like the HOPE Scholarship and Pell Grant-you could cover the full cost of tuition and fees. Financial aid can include grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study jobs. Financial aid packages vary depending on your financial need. Most colleges determine financial need based on your FAFSA.
Federal Pell Grant
A Federal Pell Grant is funded by the government and does not have to be repaid. The Federal Pell Grant may only be awarded to undergraduate, degree-seeking students who have not already obtained a bachelor’s degree. A student may not receive Federal Pell Grant funds from more than one school at a time. Award amounts vary based on the Student Aid Index (SAI) resulting from the FAFSA and the student’s enrollment status. Awards will be adjusted if the student is not enrolled full-time (12 or more credit hours). The Federal Pell Grant may be available in the summer semester.
HOPE Scholarship
Funded by the proceeds of the Tennessee Lottery, the HOPE Scholarship is available to incoming freshmen who graduate from an eligible state high school. In-state transfer students can use their existing HOPE Scholarships at MTSU. Positive balances can be applied to other university services such as housing and meal plans.
eRate for Online Students
The eRate is available to students who are classified as non-residents of Tennessee and who are enrolled exclusively in courses delivered online. To qualify, students must be verified as an out-of-state student enrolled exclusively in courses delivered online (Distance Lrn: Online, Distance Lrn: Online-Async-Sync, and Online: Synchronous (Remote) Instructional Methods). Out-of-state students refers to geographic location and does not include undocumented students living in Tennessee. Students enrolled in any type courses other than online (blended, clinicals, conventional, correspondence, dissertation, independent study, Other Non-conventional Media) will not be eligible for the eRate and will instead incur traditional out-of-state fees and charges.
Read also: College View Middle School: An in-depth look
Additional Costs
In addition to the tuition & fees and on-campus food & housing charges (if applicable) posted directly to your student account, there are additional indirect costs associated with attending college. The MTSU Cost of Attendance, used for awarding financial aid, includes other “average” expenses that you may incur that are not billed to your MTSU student account. The following Financial Aid Cost of Attendance (COA) reflects an average of direct (billable) and indirect (non-billable) expenses you may incur while attending MTSU. The total amount is NOT what you will owe to MTSU. An undergraduate COA is initially calculated based on an average full-time enrollment of 14 credits. To be considered full-time, you must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours of eligible coursework. If you are not enrolled full-time in eligible coursework, the tuition & fees and the book component of the COA will be reduced, and your financial aid may also be reduced.
Out-of-State Student Cost of Attendance Examples
Here are a few examples of the Cost of Attendance for out-of-state students, broken down by living situation:
With Parent
- Tuition & Fees: $31,574
- Books & Supplies: $1,260
- Living Expenses: $5,788
- Misc / Personal: $2,232
- Transportation: $3,482
- Total: $44,336
Off Campus
- Tuition & Fees: $31,574
- Books & Supplies: $1,260
- Living Expenses: $12,208
- Misc / Personal: $2,232
- Transportation: $3,482
- Total: $50,756
On Campus Without Dependents
- Tuition & Fees: $31,574
- Books & Supplies: $1,260
- Living Expenses: $12,242
- Misc / Personal: $2,232
- Transportation: $3,482
- Total: $50,790
On Campus With Dependents (other than spouse)
- Tuition & Fees: $31,574
- Books & Supplies: $1,260
- Living Expenses: $14,076
- Misc / Personal: $2,232
- Transportation: $3,482
- Total: $52,624
Some classes have additional Miscellaneous or Specialized course fees.For out-of-state students, tuition & fees are reduced for eRate and Regional rates. **Living Expenses is comprised of an average cost for food and housing.
Updated Out-of-State Student Cost of Attendance Examples
Here are a few examples of the Cost of Attendance for out-of-state students, broken down by living situation:
With Parent
- Tuition & Fees: $33,428
- Books & Supplies: $1,260
- Living Expenses: $5,984
- Misc / Personal: $2,326
- Transportation: $3,046
- Total: $46,044
Off Campus
- Tuition & Fees: $33,428
- Books & Supplies: $1,260
- Living Expenses: $12,346
- Misc / Personal: $2,326
- Transportation: $3,046
- Total: $52,406
On Campus Without Dependents
- Tuition & Fees: $33,428
- Books & Supplies: $1,260
- Living Expenses: $12,892
- Misc / Personal: $2,238
- Transportation: $3,046
- Total: $52,864
On Campus With Dependents (other than spouse)
- Tuition & Fees: $33,428
- Books & Supplies: $1,260
- Living Expenses: $14,460
- Misc / Personal: $2,238
- Transportation: $3,046
- Total: $54,432
Some classes have additional Miscellaneous or Specialized course fees.For out-of-state students, tuition & fees are reduced for eRate and Regional rates. **Living Expenses is comprised of an average cost for food and housing.
Read also: Affording Chaminade Middle School
Other Fees
- Late Registration Fee: Applies starting on first day of classes for the semester - $100
- Installment Payment Plan Service Charge: Applies to student using the installment payment plan - $50
- Installment Payment Plan Late Fee: Applies to installment payments not paid by the due date - $25 per month up to $100 max
- Return Check Service Charge: Applies to each returned check. Non-refundable - $30.00
- Books Estimated Costs: $350 - $1,000 (depending on course load and major)
- I.D. Card Replacement (Non-refundable): No charge for the first student I.D. issued.
Financial Aid Dates
- Application Due: The last day to apply for financial aid or turn in related paperwork.
- Priority Application Due: Applications received prior to this date will be given the strongest consideration. Still apply for financial aid if you don’t make this due date.
- Notification Date: When students receive a letter with the amount and types of aid the college is offering.
- Response Due: The deadline for students to respond to the college’s aid offer.
MTSU Board of Trustees Actions
The MTSU Board of Trustees has taken several actions that affect tuition and fees, including:
- The action sets the combined total for tuition and fees per semester to $5,328.50 for in-state students taking more than 12 credit hours.
- Reduced the tuition charged for online courses for out-of-state students.
- Approved 1.8% raises for employees for 2025-26.
Examples of Scholarship Qualification
MTSU provides some examples of students and potential scholarships:
- Rachel is undecided on her major with a high school GPA of 3.0 and a 21 on the ACT test. She submits her application by December 1, 2025.
- Keith plans to study photography and has a high school GPA of 3.5 and a 22 on the ACT.
- Mary plans to study psychology and has a high school GPA of 3.5 and a 25 on the ACT. She submits her application by December 1, 2025.
- John plans to study Mechatronics and has a high school GPA of 3.5 and a 30 on the ACT. He submits his application by December 1, 2025. His family income level allows him to receive a partial Pell Grant.
- Jane plans to study English and has a high school GPA of 3.5 and a 30 on the ACT. She submits her application by December 1, 2025.
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