Fisk University vs. Tennessee State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Fisk University in Nashville, TN 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 Fisk University based on total student enrollment (6,310 students vs. 1,059 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fisk University is located in Nashville, TN (Large City setting); Tennessee State University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• Fisk University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Tennessee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fisk University 12:1; Tennessee State University 13:1.

Fisk University vs. Tennessee State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fisk 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 Fisk University ($14,586 vs. $18,595).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Tennessee State University are 23.3% lower than at Fisk University ($11,150 vs. $14,540).
• Fisk University is 200.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tennessee State University (about $17,242 more per year; $25,858.00 vs. $8,616.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.4% higher at Fisk University than at Tennessee State University (about $3,442 more per year; $25,858.00 vs. $22,416.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fisk University than at Tennessee State University (87% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Fisk University students is 136.1% larger than aid received by Tennessee State University students ($22,811 vs. $9,661).

Fisk University vs. Tennessee State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Fisk 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 Fisk University.

• Tennessee State University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fisk University (1330) is 360 points higher than at Tennessee State University (970).
• Incoming Fisk University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 18 at Tennessee State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fisk University 1140/1510; Tennessee State University 880/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fisk University 19/24; Tennessee State University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fisk University - Test optional; Tennessee State University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fisk University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Tennessee State University students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.22) than students at Fisk University (3.1).
• Tennessee State University has a higher acceptance rate (70.1%) than Fisk University (37.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.8% at Fisk University vs. 13% at Tennessee State University.

Fisk University vs. Tennessee State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fisk 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).

• Fisk University's six-year graduation rate (45%) is higher than Tennessee State University's (36%).
• Graduates from Tennessee State University earn a median of about $2,500 more per year than Fisk University graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,400 vs. $35,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Fisk University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Tennessee State University graduates ($26,000 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, Fisk University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Tennessee State University graduates ($268 vs. $289).
• More Fisk University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Tennessee State University students, three years after graduation. (38% 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.