Bowie State University vs. Tennessee State University

Comparable Facts

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

Bowie State University is larger than Tennessee State University based on total student enrollment (6,353 students vs. 6,310 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bowie State University is located in Bowie, MD (Large Suburban setting); Tennessee State University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• Bowie 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: Bowie State University 15:1; Tennessee State University 13:1.

Bowie State University vs. Tennessee State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bowie State University 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 Bowie State University ($14,586 vs. $17,287).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Tennessee State University are 8.9% lower than at Bowie State University ($11,150 vs. $12,241).
• Bowie State University is 7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tennessee State University (about $602 more per year; $9,218.00 vs. $8,616.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.4% higher at Tennessee State University than at Bowie State University (about $2,478 more per year; $22,416.00 vs. $19,938.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Tennessee State University than at Bowie State University (67% vs. 54%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Tennessee State University students is 41.7% larger than aid received by Bowie State University students ($9,661 vs. $6,819).

Bowie State University vs. Tennessee State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bowie State University 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 Bowie State University.

• Tennessee State University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Tennessee State University (970) is 30 points higher than at Bowie State University (940).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bowie State University 796/1083; Tennessee State University 880/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsTennessee State University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bowie State University - Test optional; Tennessee State University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bowie State University May 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Tennessee State University students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.22) than students at Bowie State University (3.12).
• Bowie State University has a higher acceptance rate (72.4%) than Tennessee State University (70.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.3% at Bowie State University vs. 13% at Tennessee State University.

Bowie State University vs. Tennessee State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bowie State University 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).

• Bowie State University's six-year graduation rate (41%) is higher than Tennessee State University's (36%).
• Graduates from Bowie State University earn a median of about $12,100 more per year than Tennessee State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bowie State University graduates have a $3,609 lower median loan debt than Tennessee State University graduates ($24,391 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, Bowie State University graduates have an estimated $37 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Tennessee State University graduates ($252 vs. $289).
• More Tennessee State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bowie State University students, three years after graduation. (29% vs. 29%)

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.