Middle Tennessee State University
Middle Tennessee State University is a public comprehensive university in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, enrolling over 20,000 students across 300+ majors, 80+ online programs, and signature specializations in recording industry, aerospace, concrete management, and quantum research.
- Company typePublic
- Founded1911
- HeadquartersMurfreesboro, United States
- Headcount1,001–5,000
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Middle Tennessee State University does
Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) is a public, state-supported comprehensive university founded in 1911 and headquartered in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Operated by the State of Tennessee through a Board of Trustees and the Tennessee State University System, MTSU is the largest locally governed university in the state, enrolling over 20,000 students across eight undergraduate colleges and the College of Graduate Studies. It offers 300+ majors and concentrations, more than 100 graduate programs, and 80+ fully online programs, and is the #1 producer of college graduates to the Greater Nashville economy (one in six regional graduates holds an MTSU degree). Signature academic differentiators include the Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment tied to the Nashville music industry, a dedicated School of Concrete and Construction Management ($40M facility), comprehensive aerospace and professional pilot programs, the QRISE Center for quantum computing research, and Computer Science concentrations in artificial intelligence.
The university's core technology stack centers on the Canvas LMS for online and hybrid course delivery, FANUC robotic equipment for mechatronics training, and the three-building $147 million Science Corridor of Innovation alongside the new $75 million Applied Engineering Building. MTSU's business model is a multi-stream public university revenue structure: subsidized in-state tuition (advertised as the lowest among major Tennessee universities), Tennessee state appropriations, auxiliary services (housing, dining, parking), and federal research grants and contracts, with the QRISE Center having secured over $9 million in federal awards. Go-to-market combines direct-to-consumer recruitment (campus tours, dual enrollment, adult degree completion) with sales-led regional outreach, transfer pathway agreements, and online self-serve enrollment. Customer segments span first-time freshmen, transfer students, graduate students, adult learners, veterans and military families, dual enrollment high schoolers, and international students.
Recent strategic positioning centers on workforce-aligned graduate programming and applied quantum research, including a Mechatronics Systems Engineering M.S. launched in June 2026, a quantum testbed MOU with Middle Tennessee Electric signed May 2026, and participation in the $43 million Tennessee Quantum Initiative. The institution has earned seven consecutive years on The Princeton Review's Best Colleges list and recognition from the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and U.S. News & World Report. Leadership transition is pending, with President Sidney McPhee announcing retirement effective end of 2026 after overseeing nearly $2 billion in campus improvements.
Middle Tennessee State University firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Middle Tennessee State University
- Legal name
- Middle Tennessee State University
- Website
- https://mtsu.edu
- Company type
- Public
- Founded year
- 1911
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1,001–5,000 employees
- Short description
- Middle Tennessee State University is a public comprehensive university in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, enrolling over 20,000 students across 300+ majors, 80+ online programs, and signature specializations in recording industry, aerospace, concrete management, and quantum research.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Middle Tennessee State University industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Higher Education
- NAICS
- Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Public Research Universities with Comprehensive Graduate & Professional Schools (EDAHAAAF)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Public Research Universities with Engineering/Polytechnic Emphasis (EDAHAAAD)
Keywords
Where Middle Tennessee State University is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Murfreesboro
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices4 records
Markets served
Middle Tennessee State University business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Tuition and Fees: State-supported public university revenue from undergraduate and graduate tuition. In-state students receive subsidized rates. The university maintains the lowest tuition rate of any major university in Tennessee.
- State Appropriations: Public university funding from Tennessee state government appropriations as part of the state university system.
- Auxiliary Services: Revenue from housing, dining services, parking, and other student services. First-time freshmen living on campus are automatically charged for meal plans.
- Research Grants and Contracts: Federal research awards through QRISE Center and other research initiatives. The QRISE Center has secured over $9 million in federal research awards for quantum computing research.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | In-State Undergraduate Tuition |
| Subscription | Annual | Freshman Merit Scholarships |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Dual Enrollment Courses |
| Subscription | Annual | Graduate Programs |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels8 records
Middle Tennessee State University product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Middle Tennessee State University is a public comprehensive university delivering undergraduate and graduate degree programs across 300+ majors and concentrations, both on campus in Murfreesboro and through 80+ fully online programs delivered via Canvas LMS. The university operates eight undergraduate colleges plus the College of Graduate Studies, with signature specializations in recording industry, concrete industry management, aerospace, nursing, and computer science/AI, and supports research through centers such as the QRISE quantum research hub.
Product overview
Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) is a comprehensive public university offering a portfolio of educational products and services spanning campus-based and online delivery through Canvas LMS. The university provides over 300 majors, concentrations, and certificates across eight undergraduate colleges and a College of Graduate Studies, with more than 80 fully online programs. Key technology-focused products include Computer Science with AI concentrations (B.S./M.S.), Mechatronics Systems Engineering (M.S.), Quantum Science and Computing concentration, and a Using Artificial Intelligence certificate. The institution operates specialized facilities including the QRISE Center (Quantum Research, Innovation, and STEM Education) with over $9M in federal research awards, the Applied Engineering Building ($75M, 89,000 sq ft), and the School of Concrete and Construction Management ($40M facility). MTSU Online serves distance learners via Canvas, while campus programs include nursing, aerospace, recording industry, and business programs.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Blue Raiders: Athletic teams and mascot of Middle Tennessee State University
- True Blue
Products and services
- MTSU Online Programs Over 80 fully online undergraduate and graduate degree programs, certificates, and concentrations delivered through Canvas LMS, spanning aeronautical science, business, criminal justice, nursing, education, and more, targeted at distance learners including out-of-state students via NC-SARA participation.
- Mechatronics Systems Engineering, M.S. New master's degree program launched in June 2026 targeting advanced manufacturing and robotics workforce development, training students in mechatronics engineering using FANUC robot equipment in the new Applied Engineering Building.
- Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence Concentration (B.S., M.S.) Degree programs covering AI/ML foundation models, neural networks, deep learning, and AI applications in computing systems, available at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
- Physics, Quantum Science and Computing Concentration (B.S.) Undergraduate program covering quantum mechanics, quantum computing theory, algorithms, and quantum information science, supported by the QRISE Center's research infrastructure.
- Using Artificial Intelligence Undergraduate Certificate Certificate program providing foundational knowledge in AI tools and applications for undergraduate students.
- Nursing Programs (BSN, MSN) Traditional BSN and graduate nursing programs including Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentrations for students pursuing clinical nursing careers.
- Concrete Industry Management Program Specialized program in concrete and construction management with dedicated $40 million facility (54,000 sq ft building opened 2022), one of the few such programs in the country.
- Aerospace Programs Comprehensive aviation education including Professional Pilot, Aviation Management, Aviation Safety, and Unmanned Aircraft Systems concentrations for students pursuing aviation careers.
- Recording Industry / Music Business Programs Programs in recording arts, music business, and entertainment industry located in the Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment, one of the largest recording industry programs in the country connected to the Nashville music industry.
- Adult Degree Completion Program The largest Adult Degree Completion Program in Tennessee, designed for adults 25+ returning to finish bachelor's degrees, offering flexible scheduling and prior learning credit options.
Quantifiable outcome
- One in six Greater Nashville college graduates holds an MTSU degree
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Middle Tennessee State University
Customer profileSegments7 records
Ideal customer profiles7 records
Middle Tennessee State University technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration1 record
AI capability2 records
Feature4 records
Middle Tennessee State University partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Middle Tennessee ElectriccoreMTSU and Middle Tennessee Electric signed a memorandum of understanding on May 19 to expand a quantum research and education partnership that began over a year ago, aiming to develop a quantum testbed linking their physical locations in Murfreesboro. The collaboration seeks to accelerate quantum technology development and positioning Tennessee as a leader in quantum computing and networking.
- Tennessee Quantum InitiativecoreMTSU QRISE Center participates in the state's $43 million Tennessee Quantum Initiative to position Tennessee as a global center for quantum computing. The partnership aligns with Tennessee's quantum research and technology development goals.
- GreenWay Herbal Products, LLCminorAcademic collaboration on preclinical cannabinoid research. GreenWay Herbal Products utilized MTSU research facilities for animal model testing demonstrating the efficacy of CBD/CBDA compositions. The partnership led to U.S. Patent No. 12,496,307 issuance.
- IonQcoreIonQ partnered with University of Tennessee for K-Quantum Accelerator and has a separate $22 million deal with EPB to establish Chattanooga as the nation's first quantum computing and networking hub. MTSU participates in broader Tennessee quantum ecosystem through QRISE Center.
- Oak Ridge National LaboratorycorePartner in K-Quantum Accelerator with University of Tennessee. Oak Ridge National Laboratory is a key research partner in Tennessee's quantum computing initiatives including those involving MTSU.
- Tennessee Valley AuthorityminorPartner in K-Quantum Accelerator supporting quantum research and development in Tennessee's innovation ecosystem.
- CGI (Federal Solutions)minorPartner in K-Quantum Accelerator providing federal solutions expertise for quantum research initiatives in Tennessee.
Scale indicators13 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Middle Tennessee State University competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Georgia Southern University: Comprehensive public university with comparable enrollment (~20,000+), Sun Belt Conference alignment, and similar mix of online and traditional delivery — strong regional state-university benchmark.
- Eastern Kentucky University: Regional Kentucky state university with similar mission around access, workforce development, and applied programs. Comparable size and College Conference USA & Illinois-Indiana connection through athletics realignment history.
- University of Memphis: Tennessee public urban research university with comparable enrollment scale (~20,000+ students), similar comprehensive offerings, and a strong workforce-development orientation in the state's other major metro economy. Most directly comparable in-state peer.
- University of North Texas: Large public university with one of the nation's premier recording industry programs — directly paralleling MTSU's Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment. Comparable size, music-industry employer ties, and online program scale.
- Western Kentucky University: Regional state university within ~250 miles of MTSU, eligible as a Regional Scholars competitor. Similar enrollment scale, comprehensive program offerings, and Conference USA footprint overlap.
- Tennessee Technological University: Tennessee public university with STEM and applied-technology emphasis comparable to MTSU's Applied Engineering and mechatronics programs. Similar size and state-system positioning within Tennessee.
- Troy University: Alabama public university with comparable enrollment (~15,000-20,000), nationally recognized online program portfolio, and similar focus on workforce-oriented and adult-learner segments — strong functional comp on MTSU Online.
- Austin Peay State University: Tennessee public state university with similar mission around access, affordability, and workforce development. Comparable in size and program mix; competes for overlapping Tennessee resident applicant pools and transfer pathways.
- Appalachian State University: Mid-size public university with comparable enrollment, regional economic anchor role, and applied program emphasis. Similar positioning in college rankings and value-oriented affordability messaging.
Broad incumbents
- Old Dominion University: Larger public university with a nationally recognized online education portfolio directly competing with MTSU Online in out-of-state markets via NC-SARA. Similar workforce-oriented program mix including engineering, nursing, and business.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Middle Tennessee State University social profiles
Digital presenceMiddle Tennessee State University financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Middle Tennessee State University leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
Middle Tennessee State University funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Middle Tennessee State University M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Middle Tennessee State University
What does Middle Tennessee State University do?
Middle Tennessee State University is a public comprehensive university delivering undergraduate and graduate degree programs across 300+ majors and concentrations, both on campus in Murfreesboro and through 80+ fully online programs delivered via Canvas LMS. The university operates eight undergraduate colleges plus the College of Graduate Studies, with signature specializations in recording industry, concrete industry management, aerospace, nursing, and computer science/AI, and supports research through centers such as the QRISE quantum research hub.
Is Middle Tennessee State University a public or private company?
Middle Tennessee State University is a public company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was Middle Tennessee State University founded?
Middle Tennessee State University was founded in 1911. It employs 1,001 to 5,000 people.
Where is Middle Tennessee State University based?
Middle Tennessee State University is headquartered in Murfreesboro, United States, in the North America region.
How does Middle Tennessee State University make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Tuition and Fees are the primary driver. The others are state Appropriations, auxiliary Services and research Grants and Contracts.
Who are Middle Tennessee State University's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Georgia Southern University, Eastern Kentucky University, University of Memphis, University of North Texas, Western Kentucky University, Tennessee Technological University, Troy University, Austin Peay State University and Appalachian State University. Old Dominion University is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Middle Tennessee State University have an API?
No public API is recorded for Middle Tennessee State University.
What industry is Middle Tennessee State University in?
Middle Tennessee State University's product category is Higher Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAHAAAF, Public Research Universities with Comprehensive Graduate & Professional Schools, with a secondary code of EDAHAAAD, Public Research Universities with Engineering/Polytechnic Emphasis. Its NAICS code is 6113 and its SIC code is 8200.