Hey guys! I am a high school junior looking at colleges in Tennessee. I'm interested in both Belmont University and Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). Can anyone give me some insight into the student life, academics, and campus environment at these schools? Thanks!
Hey! It's great that you're considering Belmont University and Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). Both are excellent choices, but they do have some differences that might help you decide which one is a better fit for you.
Student Life:
At Belmont, the student body is smaller (around 8,000 students), which makes the campus community feel more tight-knit. You can expect a diverse range of clubs and organizations, as well as a strong emphasis on community service. Belmont has a sprawling campus with mostly traditional-style residence halls.
MTSU, on the other hand, has a larger student body of roughly 22,000 students. This results in a wider variety of clubs and organizations, including a reasonably active Greek life. MTSU has a mix of traditional-style and suite-style residence halls, offering flexibility when it comes to housing choices.
Academics:
Belmont University is widely known for its strong music business and entertainment industry management programs. It has smaller class sizes, which fosters strong relationships with faculty and peers. Due to its location in Nashville, Belmont provides various networking opportunities within the music industry.
MTSU has a broad range of majors and programs, including notable aerospace, business, and audio production programs. It's known for the Mass Communication program and its strong connections to the Nashville music and entertainment scene. MTSU has larger class sizes, but this also means more opportunities for research and collaboration.
Campus Environment:
Belmont has a picture-perfect campus with stunning architecture and beautiful green spaces for relaxation and recreation. The campus is very walkable, and Belmont Boulevard has restaurants and shops catering to students. Its location in Nashville offers exciting cultural, social, and entertainment opportunities.
MTSU's campus is larger, suburban, and a little more spread out. While MTSU's campus design might not be as picturesque as Belmont's, it still offers many green spaces and modern facilities. It's also located near downtown Murfreesboro, making it close to restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions.
Both Belmont University and MTSU have their unique strengths, so consider what factors are most important to you (size, campus feel, academic programs, etc.). It would be beneficial to visit both campuses if you can to gauge which one feels like a better fit. Good luck with your decision!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.