Bluffton University vs. The University of Tennessee Southern

Comparable Facts

Compare Bluffton University in Bluffton, OH with The University of Tennessee Southern in Pulaski, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

The University of Tennessee Southern is larger than Bluffton University based on total student enrollment (1,046 students vs. 646 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bluffton University is located in Bluffton, OH (Distant Town setting); The University of Tennessee Southern is in Pulaski, TN (Distant Town setting).
• Bluffton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. The University of Tennessee Southern is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bluffton University 11:1; The University of Tennessee Southern 14:1.

Bluffton University vs. The University of Tennessee Southern Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bluffton University or The University of Tennessee Southern? 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 The University of Tennessee Southern than Bluffton University ($14,546 vs. $20,429).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at The University of Tennessee Southern are 32.1% lower than at Bluffton University ($8,300 vs. $12,220).
• Bluffton University is 242% more expensive for in-state tuition than The University of Tennessee Southern (about $26,438 more per year; $37,362.00 vs. $10,924.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 242% higher at Bluffton University than at The University of Tennessee Southern (about $26,438 more per year; $37,362.00 vs. $10,924.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bluffton University than at The University of Tennessee Southern (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bluffton University students is 203.9% larger than aid received by The University of Tennessee Southern students ($31,481 vs. $10,358).

Bluffton University vs. The University of Tennessee Southern Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bluffton University or The University of Tennessee Southern? 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 The University of Tennessee Southern and Bluffton University.

• The University of Tennessee Southern reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at The University of Tennessee Southern (1010) is 10 points higher than at Bluffton University (1000).
• Incoming The University of Tennessee Southern students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at Bluffton University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bluffton University 860/1130; The University of Tennessee Southern 905/1110.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bluffton University 16/22; The University of Tennessee Southern 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bluffton University - Test optional; The University of Tennessee Southern - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: The University of Tennessee Southern Aug 26, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bluffton University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.26) than students at The University of Tennessee Southern (3.17).
• The University of Tennessee Southern has a higher acceptance rate (86.7%) than Bluffton University (67.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9% at Bluffton University vs. 26.1% at The University of Tennessee Southern.

Bluffton University vs. The University of Tennessee Southern Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bluffton University and The University of Tennessee Southern? 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).

• Bluffton University's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than The University of Tennessee Southern's (49%).
• Graduates from Bluffton University earn a median of about $5,700 more per year than The University of Tennessee Southern graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,600 vs. $34,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, The University of Tennessee Southern graduates have a $4,685 lower median loan debt than Bluffton University graduates ($22,315 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, The University of Tennessee Southern graduates have an estimated $49 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bluffton University graduates ($230 vs. $279).
• More Bluffton University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former The University of Tennessee Southern students, three years after graduation. (67% vs. 43%)

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.