Alabama State vs. Tennessee State University

Comparable Facts

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

Tennessee State University is larger than Alabama State based on total student enrollment (6,310 students vs. 4,081 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Alabama State University is located in Montgomery, AL (Midsize City setting); Tennessee State University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• Alabama State 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 State University 15:1; Tennessee State University 13:1.

Alabama State vs. Tennessee State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alabama State 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 Alabama State University than Tennessee State University ($13,138 vs. $14,586).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Alabama State University are 29.9% lower than at Tennessee State University ($7,816 vs. $11,150).
• Alabama State University is 30.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tennessee State University (about $2,632 more per year; $11,248.00 vs. $8,616.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.5% higher at Tennessee State University than at Alabama State University (about $2,840 more per year; $22,416.00 vs. $19,576.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Alabama State University than at Tennessee State University (87% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Alabama State University students is 19.9% larger than aid received by Tennessee State University students ($11,583 vs. $9,661).

Alabama State vs. Tennessee State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Alabama State 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 Alabama State.

• Tennessee State University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Tennessee State University (970) is 110 points higher than at Alabama State (860).
• Incoming Tennessee State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (18 vs. 17 at Alabama State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alabama State University 749/967; Tennessee State University 880/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alabama State University 15/20; Tennessee State University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alabama State - Test optional; Tennessee State University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Alabama State Jul 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Tennessee State University students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.22) than students at Alabama State (2.95).
• Alabama State has a higher acceptance rate (97.6%) than Tennessee State University (70.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15% at Alabama State vs. 13% at Tennessee State University.

Alabama State vs. Tennessee State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alabama State 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 State University's (26%).
• Graduates from Tennessee State University earn a median of about $8,900 more per year than Alabama State graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,400 vs. $29,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Tennessee State University graduates have a $4,091 lower median loan debt than Alabama State graduates ($28,000 vs. $32,091).
• Among borrowers, Tennessee State University graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alabama State graduates ($289 vs. $331).
• More Tennessee State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Alabama State students, three years after graduation. (29% vs. 20%)

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.