Middle Tennessee State University Scholarships (2025–2026)
← Back to the College Scholarships Hub
- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
If you’re a Tennessee parent (or from a nearby state), Middle Tennessee State can feel like a solid balance of cost and opportunity. From automatic merit awards to big-ticket Honors fellowships, there are real ways to cut down the sticker price. And if you’re comparing state options, don’t forget to check our Tennessee aid guide alongside the full CRP scholarships hub.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Middle Tennessee State University
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $10,932 | $33,428 |
| Housing & Meals | $12,892 | $12,892 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,260 | $1,260 |
| Personal & Misc. | $2,238 | $2,238 |
| Transportation | $3,046 | $3,046 |
| Total (Before Aid) | $30,340 | $52,864 |
Regional Tuition Savings:
- Regional Scholars Program: Automatic for students living within 250 miles of campus or in one of eight neighboring states: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Virginia. Cuts out-of-state tuition nearly in half (~$15,800/year savings).
- Academic Common Market (ACM): Lets nonresidents from participating SREB states pay the in-state rate if their major isn’t offered back home. Savings equal the full difference between in- and out-of-state (~$22,500/year). Requires a separate application through your state. Learn more in our ACM guide.
Who qualifies for reciprocity? Regional Scholars covers eight neighboring states or a 250-mile radius; ACM is open to SREB-state students in approved majors not available at home.
How much can families save? Regional Scholars can save about $15,800 per year; ACM can save the entire out-of-state difference (~$22,500/year).
Do you have to apply? Regional Scholars is automatic with admission; ACM requires a separate application via your state’s SREB office.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
MTSU awards guaranteed scholarships to first-time freshmen who meet published GPA and ACT/SAT cutoffs by the priority date. No extra application is required—just apply for admission and submit test scores and transcripts on time. Awards are renewable for up to 8 semesters with full-time enrollment and a minimum GPA.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Centennial | $8,000/yr | GPA ≥3.5 and ACT 34–36 (SAT equiv.) | No | Yes, 3.0 GPA + full-time | Top 1–2% test scores plus strong GPA |
| Trustee | $5,000/yr | GPA ≥3.5 and ACT 30–33 | No | Yes, 3.0 GPA + full-time | High 20s–low 30s ACT with solid GPA and rigor |
| Presidential | $4,500/yr | GPA ≥3.5 and ACT 25–29 | No | Yes, 3.0 GPA + full-time | ACT in the mid-to-high 20s with ≥3.5 GPA |
| True Blue | $3,500/yr | GPA ≥3.5 and ACT 22–24 | No | Yes, 3.0 GPA + full-time | Students in low 20s ACT with strong GPA |
Note: MTSU does not superscore ACT/SAT for scholarships. Only one guaranteed award is given (they don’t stack). Regional Scholars discounts can be added on top of these merit awards.
Do I need to apply separately? No—automatic consideration once you apply for admission and have scores on file.
What’s the deadline? Apply and submit transcripts/test scores by December 1 for priority scholarship consideration.
Can I stack awards? You can’t stack multiple guaranteed merit awards, but you can combine them with Regional Scholars tuition discounts.
Does MTSU superscore? No—scholarship awards use a single highest ACT or SAT test date.
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
Some universities have a long list of selective merit awards beyond the automatic grid. At MTSU, though, the only major competitive scholarships are tied directly to the Honors College (like the Buchanan Fellowship). Outside of Honors, there aren’t any separate university-wide competitive programs—most additional awards come through departmental or foundation funds, which we cover in the Hidden Gems section below.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No competitive scholarships are available outside the Honors College at this time. | |||||
Does MTSU have competitive scholarships outside Honors? No—the flagship competitive awards (like Buchanan) are all Honors-based.
Where else should students look? Departmental scholarships and foundation-funded awards, many of which are listed in MTSU’s Scholarship Manager portal.
Are these different from automatic merit? Yes—automatic merit is guaranteed for those who meet GPA/test cutoffs. Competitive awards require essays, applications, or selection, and at MTSU those are only through Honors.
⭐ College Specialty
If you ask people in Tennessee what MTSU is famous for, you’ll usually hear one of two things: airplanes or music. The university has carved out a reputation with industry-ready programs that go far beyond the classroom. While MTSU is not classified as an R1 research university, it’s a large public campus with nationally recognized programs that feed directly into growing career fields.
- Recording Industry (Music Business & Audio Production): Consistently listed in Billboard’s “Top Music Business Schools” rankings; deeply connected to Nashville’s music scene.
- Concrete Industry Management (CIM): One of the first and few programs of its kind in the U.S., supported by a strong national industry partnership; includes a unique executive MBA in CIM.
- Forensic Science: Home to the Forensic Institute for Research and Education (FIRE), known regionally for training forensic professionals and collaborating with law enforcement.
- Business & Education: Jones College of Business is AACSB-accredited (a mark held by less than 6% of business schools worldwide); College of Education consistently ranks among the largest teacher-prep producers in Tennessee.
🎖️ Honors College
MTSU’s Honors College is designed for high-achieving students who want smaller classes, close mentorship, and the chance to complete a thesis project. Admission isn’t automatic—you apply separately or get invited if your GPA and test scores are strong enough. The program is flexible and meant to fit inside a four-year degree without adding time.
- Priority registration every semester
- Small, discussion-based Honors seminars
- Faculty mentorship and senior thesis project
- Honors housing options and community events
- Access to Honors-specific scholarships and national fellowship support
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buchanan Fellowship | Full in-state tuition + $500/semester books + study abroad stipend | HS GPA ≥3.5 and ACT ≥30 (or SAT equiv.) | Yes — Apply by Nov 1 (early) or Dec 1 (final) | Yes, with Honors standing & GPA | ~20 students per year with top academics, leadership, and service |
| Honors Freshman Scholarship | $1,875/semester ($3,750/yr) | 27 ACT + 3.3 GPA OR 25 ACT + 3.5 GPA OR 24 ACT + 3.7 GPA | Yes — Application window Dec 1 to Feb 1 | Yes, with 3.25 GPA and Honors progress | Strong students planning to fully engage with Honors College |
| Creighton & Elizabeth Hay Rhea Centennial Scholarship | Significant annual award | Preference for Rutherford County students; majors in healthcare or STEM | Yes — competitive application | Yes, renewable | Local students in STEM/healthcare with leadership and service |
| Ralph & Elizabeth Gwaltney Centennial Scholarship | Renewable annual award (up to 5 years) | Incoming freshmen; competitive review | Yes — competitive application | Yes, up to 5 years | Freshmen with high academic standing and strong campus/community fit |
| Buchanan Transfer Fellowship | Significant support for 4 semesters | Top transfers entering junior year | Yes — competitive application | Yes, for 4 semesters | High-GPA transfers with leadership and service credentials |
Additional Honors Scholarships for Current Students:
- Paul W. Martin Scholarships: Competitive stipends for continuing Honors students with strong merit.
- Gordan & Sara Bell Honors Scholarship: For juniors/seniors maintaining a high GPA on track for Honors graduation.
- Michael Martinelli Memorial Scholarship: For upper-level Honors students demonstrating academic excellence.
- Honors Passport Assistance Scholarship: Covers passport costs to encourage study abroad participation.
- Olmstead International Scholarship: For international Honors students of Hispanic/Latino or Asian descent who are business majors with need.
- June Hall McCash & Hannah/Harris Scholarships: Support for Honors students pursuing study abroad opportunities.
Is Honors admission automatic? No—students must meet GPA/test thresholds and apply; transfer/current students can also join with a 3.25+ GPA.
Does Honors add time to a degree? No—requirements fit within general education and usually add just a thesis project (≈5 credits junior/senior year).
Are there extra scholarships? Yes—Honors students have access to exclusive named scholarships and even guidance for national fellowships.
What deadlines matter? Buchanan apps are due by Nov 1 (early) or Dec 1; the Honors Freshman Scholarship window is Dec 1–Feb 1; other named awards have varying dates.
📎 Official Links
Final Thoughts
Sorting through tuition charts and scholarship grids can feel overwhelming, but at MTSU there are real opportunities to make the numbers work. Between automatic merit, regional tuition breaks, and dozens of hidden gems like research stipends or marching band awards, families can often cut thousands off the sticker price. Add in the Honors College for motivated students, and MTSU offers a path where cost doesn’t have to hold your student back.
✅ Last updated: September 3, 2025