EIU vs. Tennessee State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL with Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Eastern Illinois University is larger than Tennessee State University based on total student enrollment (8,505 students vs. 6,310 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Eastern Illinois University is located in Charleston, IL (Remote Town setting); Tennessee State University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• Eastern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Tennessee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Eastern Illinois University 14:1; Tennessee State University 13:1.

EIU vs. Tennessee State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, EIU 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 Eastern Illinois University than Tennessee State University ($13,787 vs. $14,586).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Tennessee State University are 9.2% lower than at Eastern Illinois University ($11,150 vs. $12,282).
• Eastern Illinois University is 58.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tennessee State University (about $5,063 more per year; $13,679.00 vs. $8,616.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 38.2% higher at Tennessee State University than at Eastern Illinois University (about $6,199 more per year; $22,416.00 vs. $16,217.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Eastern Illinois University than at Tennessee State University (95% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Eastern Illinois University students is 34.1% larger than aid received by Tennessee State University students ($12,960 vs. $9,661).

EIU vs. Tennessee State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, EIU 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 EIU.

• Tennessee State University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Eastern Illinois University (990) is 20 points higher than at Tennessee State University (970).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eastern Illinois University 880/1090; 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: EIU - Test optional; Tennessee State University - Open admission.
• Accepted freshman EIU students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.39) than students at Tennessee State University (3.22).
• Tennessee State University has a higher acceptance rate (70.1%) than EIU (65.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.8% at EIU vs. 13% at Tennessee State University.

EIU vs. Tennessee State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for EIU 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).

• Eastern Illinois University's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Tennessee State University's (36%).
• Graduates from Eastern Illinois University earn a median of about $5,100 more per year than Tennessee State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,500 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Eastern Illinois University graduates have a $4,350 lower median loan debt than Tennessee State University graduates ($23,650 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, EIU graduates have an estimated $45 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Tennessee State University graduates ($244 vs. $289).
• More EIU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Tennessee State University students, three years after graduation. (59% 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.