Middle Tennessee State University Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on March 31, 2026What This Page Covers:
- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~68%
- Middle 50% ACT: 23
- Middle 50% SAT: 1130
- Average GPA: 3.6
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 Middle Tennessee State University at a Glance
🏆 Full tuition available (Buchanan Fellowship)
Average Net Price
$12,599/year (in-state estimate)
Average paid for residents.
Automatic Merit
$3,500–$8,000/yr
No separate application.
Typical Qualifiers
GPA 3.5+; ACT 22+ / SAT 1100+
Benchmarks for top-tier awards.
Testing Policy
Test-required
No superscore.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Dec 1 • FAFSA: Mar 1
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
Buchanan Fellowship
Honors College
Honors Program Available
Residency & Waivers
ACM
🚨 Easy-to-Miss “Gotchas” at Middle Tennessee State University (Read This First)
- MTSU is not test-optional for freshmen—an ACT or SAT is required for admission, and the school does not superscore.
- The guaranteed scholarships can be strong, but the full-tuition Buchanan Fellowship is highly competitive and limited to Honors College students.
- The Dec. 1 scholarship deadline matters more than families realize—miss it, and you can leave a lot of money on the table.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? No — Middle Tennessee State University is test-required.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 23; SAT: 1130.
Average net price? About $12,599/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity? Yes — participates in ACM.
Sources:
MTSU freshman guaranteed scholarships page: https://www.mtsu.edu/financial-aid/incoming-freshmen/
MTSU Scholarship Manager portal: https://mtsu.scholarships.ngwebsolutions.com/
MTSU Honors College scholarships page: https://honors.mtsu.edu/scholarships/
MTSU scholarships overview: https://mtsu.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/
Undergraduate Research Center site: https://urc.mtsu.edu/
Disability & Access Center site: https://mtsu.edu/dac/
CollegeScorecard / Admissions: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
MTSU freshman guaranteed scholarships page: https://www.mtsu.edu/financial-aid/incoming-freshmen/
MTSU Scholarship Manager portal: https://mtsu.scholarships.ngwebsolutions.com/
MTSU Honors College scholarships page: https://honors.mtsu.edu/scholarships/
MTSU scholarships overview: https://mtsu.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/
Undergraduate Research Center site: https://urc.mtsu.edu/
Disability & Access Center site: https://mtsu.edu/dac/
CollegeScorecard / Admissions: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
💰 Cost of Attendance at Middle Tennessee State University 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) | $11,071 | $33,931 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) | $12,600 | $12,600 |
| Total (Direct Costs) | $23,671 | $46,531 |
Average Federal Net Price: $12,599 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
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, and Virginia. Cuts out-of-state tuition nearly in half (~$16,000/year savings).
- Academic Common Market (ACM): Allows residents of participating SREB states to pay in-state rates for approved majors not offered in their home state. Savings can reach the full out-of-state difference (~$22,800/year). Requires a separate state-level application. Learn more in our ACM guide.
Who qualifies for reciprocity? Regional Scholars covers students from eight nearby states or within a 250-mile radius; ACM applies to SREB-state students in approved majors unavailable at home.
How much can families save? Regional Scholars can save about $16,000 per year; ACM can save up to $22,800 annually depending on residency and major.
Do you have to apply? Regional Scholars is automatic with admission; ACM requires a separate application through your state’s SREB office.
Sources:
https://www.mtsu.edu/tuition/
https://www.mtsu.edu/financial-aid/undergraduate/
https://honors.mtsu.edu/buchanan/
https://acm.mtsu.edu/
https://acm.mtsu.edu/programs/
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?220978-Middle-Tennessee-State-University=
https://www.mtsu.edu/tuition/
https://www.mtsu.edu/financial-aid/undergraduate/
https://honors.mtsu.edu/buchanan/
https://acm.mtsu.edu/
https://acm.mtsu.edu/programs/
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?220978-Middle-Tennessee-State-University=
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
MTSU awards guaranteed scholarships to first-time freshmen who meet published GPA and ACT/SAT cutoffs by the priority date. There’s no extra application—just apply for admission and submit scores and transcripts on time. Awards are for up to 8 semesters with a 3.0 GPA and full-time status.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Centennial | $8,000/yr | GPA ≥3.5, ACT 34–36 (SAT equiv.) | No | Yes (8 semesters) | Top 1–2% test scores, strong GPA | Dec 1 |
| Trustee | $5,000/yr | GPA ≥3.5, ACT 30–33 | No | Yes (8 semesters) | High 20s–low 30s ACT, solid GPA | Dec 1 |
| Presidential | $4,500/yr | GPA ≥3.5, ACT 25–29 | No | Yes (8 semesters) | ACT in mid-to-high 20s, 3.5+ GPA | Dec 1 |
| True Blue | $3,500/yr | GPA ≥3.5, ACT 22–24 | No | Yes (8 semesters) | ACT low 20s, strong 3.5+ GPA | Dec 1 |
Note: MTSU does not superscore ACT/SAT for scholarships—only your highest single test sitting counts. You can only claim one automatic award; however, Regional Scholars out-of-state discounts do stack with these. Apply by Dec 1 for maximum eligibility and best award levels.
Do I need to apply separately? No. You’re automatically considered for these merit awards once you apply for admission and submit all required documents by the deadline.
How do I keep my scholarship? Maintain 3.0+ GPA, full-time status each term, and make regular degree progress to keep your award renewable for up to four years.
Sources:
https://mtsu.edu/apply/
https://mtsu.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/
https://mtsunews.com/dec-1-scholarship-deadline-for-freshmen/
https://scholarshipsads.com/mtsu-usa-freshman-scholarships/
https://mtsu.edu/apply/
https://mtsu.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/
https://mtsunews.com/dec-1-scholarship-deadline-for-freshmen/
https://scholarshipsads.com/mtsu-usa-freshman-scholarships/
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
Some universities have a long list of selective merit awards beyond the automatic grid. At MTSU, the only major competitive scholarships are offered through the Honors College—most notably the Buchanan Fellowship, which is the university’s top scholarship. There are no university-wide competitive scholarships for non-Honors students. Most additional substantial awards are distributed as departmental or donor-based scholarships (see Hidden Gems).
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buchanan Fellowship | Full tuition + special programming (4 years) | Freshmen, 3.5+ GPA, 30+ ACT (top ~10%), Honors College application | Yes—separate Honors/Buchanan app | Yes—if GPA and program criteria met | Top academic/leadership applicants with strong essays and records | Dec 1 (priority/final) |
| No other competitive awards beyond the Honors/Buchanan Fellowship are available. | ||||||
Does MTSU have flagship awards outside Honors? No—the Buchanan is the only major competitive scholarship.
Where else should strong students look? Departmental and foundation scholarships can be found in the MTSU Scholarship Manager and may require separate applications.
Are automatic and competitive scholarships combinable? No—automatic and competitive scholarships at MTSU do not stack; students receive the highest value scholarship only.
Sources:
https://mtsu.edu/how-to-apply/
https://mtsu.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/
https://mtsunews.com/dec-1-scholarship-deadline-for-freshmen/
https://honors.mtsu.edu/scholarships/
https://mtsu.edu/how-to-apply/
https://mtsu.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/
https://mtsunews.com/dec-1-scholarship-deadline-for-freshmen/
https://honors.mtsu.edu/scholarships/
🎖️ Honors College
MTSU’s Honors College is built for high-achieving students, offering smaller classes, faculty mentorship, thesis support, and a rigorous academic community. Admission requires a separate application or invitation, generally with a strong GPA (3.5+), ACT 25+ (or SAT ≈1200+), and evidence of academic promise and leadership. The Buchanan Fellowship is MTSU’s top competitive scholarship for incoming freshmen, and many other awards support both new and continuing Honors students.
What a Typical MTSU Honors Student Looks Like: GPA near 3.5 or higher, 25+ ACT, AP/IB or dual enrollment, demonstrated leadership or service.
Perks That Matter:
- Priority registration, Honors housing, and seminar classes
- Faculty mentorship and thesis project support
- Access to special Honors scholarships, travel grants, and national fellowships
Honors Scholarships (Incoming & Transfer)
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buchanan Fellowship | Full in-state tuition + $500/semester books + stipend for study abroad | 3.5+ GPA, ACT 30+ (or top ~10%); Honors app required | Yes—apply by Dec 1 | Yes, with Honors standing & GPA | 20 students/year with exceptional academics, service, essays | Dec 1 |
| Honors Freshman Scholarship | $3,750/yr ($1,875/semester, 4 years) | Test/GPA matrix: 27 ACT + 3.3; 25 ACT + 3.5; 24 ACT + 3.7 | Yes—apply Dec 1–Feb 1 | Yes, with 3.25 GPA & Honors progress | Strong freshmen committed to Honors participation | Feb 1 |
| Creighton & Elizabeth Hay Rhea Centennial | $4,000/yr, renewable up to 5 years | 3.5+ GPA, 29+ ACT, preference for Rutherford County STEM/healthcare | Yes—competitive application | Yes, with 3.5 GPA | Local, STEM/health, leadership, and service focus | Jan 15 |
| Ralph & Elizabeth Gwaltney Centennial | $5,500/yr (up to 5 years, not every cycle) | 3.5+ GPA, 29+ ACT; incoming freshmen | Yes—competitive application | Yes, up to 5 years; 3.5 GPA required | Competitive, high-achieving entering students | (Not available all years) |
| Buchanan Transfer Fellowship | $3,500/semester in-state (2 years), $7,000/sem OOS | Top transfer admits as juniors | Yes—competitive application | Yes, if on track w/ Honors | High-GPA transfers, strong records | Feb 1 |
| Paul W. Martin, Academic Achievement & Other Named | $250–$2,000 (varies; for continuing) | Honors College, GPA 3.25+ (Jr/Sr, various) | Yes—annual Honors app cycle | Varies | Active, merit-earning upperclassmen | Dec 1–Feb 1 |
| Passport, Travel, and Research Honors Support | $100–$1,000+ per award | Honors; travel/research/need focus | Yes—varies (by application) | One-time/per event | Honors students pursuing research, study abroad, or financial support needs | Rolling |
FAQ
Is Honors admission automatic? No—a separate application is required, and not all applicants are admitted.
Does it delay graduation? No—the coursework and thesis are designed to fit your degree plan and four-year timeline.
Can you stack Honors and merit scholarships? No—you receive the highest campus-offered award, but Honors funding and experiences add unique value.
National Fellowships? Honors students at MTSU get coaching and application support for Goldwater, Truman, Gilman, Boren, and Fulbright awards.
Sources:
https://honors.mtsu.edu/scholarships/
https://mtsu.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/
https://mtsu.scholarships.ngwebsolutions.com/
https://mtsunews.com/dec-1-scholarship-deadline-for-freshmen/
https://honors.mtsu.edu/scholarships/
https://mtsu.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/
https://mtsu.scholarships.ngwebsolutions.com/
https://mtsunews.com/dec-1-scholarship-deadline-for-freshmen/
⭐ 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.
Standout Program: Aerospace (Professional Pilot) — one of the largest and most respected flight training programs in the nation, with FAA authorization that reduces flight-hour requirements for airline certification.
- 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.