Hey, I'm a junior looking at colleges in Tennessee. I like both Belmont and Middle TN, but I'm having trouble deciding. Does anyone have knowledge on these two colleges, maybe some comparisons or insights?
Absolutely, it's great that you're considering these two institutions. Both are strong schools with unique strengths and may provide a different experience depending on what you're hoping to gain from your college journey.
Belmont University is a private Christian institution located in Nashville. It's known for its strong programs in music and music business—no surprise given its Nashville location, a key hub in the music industry. In addition to its music programs, Belmont also has strong nursing and business programs. The university's student life features a blend of faith-based institutions and organizations, as well as a rich selection of other clubs and activities. There's also a strong emphasis on service learning and community engagement at Belmont.
Belmont is also known for its smaller student body (approximately 8,500 in 2024) and lower student-to-faculty ratio, which can lead to opportunities for closer contact and potential mentorship relationships with faculty. However, be aware that Belmont tends to be more expensive than Middle Tennessee State University due to its private status.
On the other hand, Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) is a much larger public institution located in Murfreesboro, about 40 minutes from Nashville. With a student population of about 22,000, it's Tennessee's largest undergraduate institution. The university houses an acclaimed recording industry program, an aerospace program with its own control tower, and is also known for its business, nursing, and education programs.
MTSU offers a larger variety of degree programs and majors than Belmont, which may offer more academic exploration opportunities. The larger student body could also provide a broader range of student activities and a more diverse experience. The school is quite involved in the Murfreesboro community as well.
The decision ultimately depends on what you want in your college experience. Size, location, cost, specific programs of interest, and campus culture are all important factors to consider. Be sure to visit both campuses, if possible, to get a feel for each environment. I hope this helps your decision-making process!
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