AAMU vs. Tennessee State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Alabama A & M University in Normal, AL with Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Alabama A & M University is larger than Tennessee State University based on total student enrollment (7,295 students vs. 6,310 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Alabama A & M University is located in Normal, AL (Midsize City setting); Tennessee State University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• Alabama A & M University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Tennessee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Alabama A & M University 19:1; Tennessee State University 13:1.

AAMU vs. Tennessee State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AAMU or Tennessee State University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Tennessee State University than AAMU ($14,586 vs. $17,152).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Tennessee State University are 2.2% lower than at Alabama A & M University ($11,150 vs. $11,402).
• Alabama A & M University is 16.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tennessee State University (about $1,408 more per year; $10,024.00 vs. $8,616.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20.3% higher at Tennessee State University than at Alabama A & M University (about $3,782 more per year; $22,416.00 vs. $18,634.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Alabama A & M University than at Tennessee State University (86% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Alabama A & M University students is 32.9% larger than aid received by Tennessee State University students ($12,844 vs. $9,661).

AAMU vs. Tennessee State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, AAMU or Tennessee State University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Tennessee State University and AAMU.

• Tennessee State University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Tennessee State University (970) is 40 points higher than at AAMU (930).
• Incoming Tennessee State University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (18 vs. 16 at AAMU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alabama A & M University 810/1040; Tennessee State University 880/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alabama A & M University 14/19; Tennessee State University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AAMU - Test optional; Tennessee State University - Open admission.
• Accepted freshman Tennessee State University students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.22) than students at AAMU (3.02).
• Tennessee State University has a higher acceptance rate (70.1%) than AAMU (58%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.5% at AAMU vs. 13% at Tennessee State University.

AAMU vs. Tennessee State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AAMU and Tennessee State University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Tennessee State University's six-year graduation rate (36%) is higher than Alabama A & M University's (32%).
• Graduates from Tennessee State University earn a median of about $4,100 more per year than AAMU graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,400 vs. $34,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Tennessee State University graduates have a $7,000 lower median loan debt than AAMU graduates ($28,000 vs. $35,000).
• Among borrowers, Tennessee State University graduates have an estimated $72 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than AAMU graduates ($289 vs. $361).
• More Tennessee State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former AAMU students, three years after graduation. (29% vs. 25%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.