JCSU vs. Tennessee State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Johnson C Smith University in Charlotte, NC 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 JCSU based on total student enrollment (6,310 students vs. 1,302 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

JCSU vs. Tennessee State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, JCSU 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 JCSU ($14,586 vs. $19,705).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Johnson C Smith University are 22.9% lower than at Tennessee State University ($8,600 vs. $11,150).
• Johnson C Smith University is 147.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tennessee State University (about $12,684 more per year; $21,300.00 vs. $8,616.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.2% higher at Tennessee State University than at Johnson C Smith University (about $1,116 more per year; $22,416.00 vs. $21,300.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Johnson C Smith University than at Tennessee State University (93% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Johnson C Smith University students is 57.7% larger than aid received by Tennessee State University students ($15,238 vs. $9,661).

JCSU vs. Tennessee State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, JCSU 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 JCSU.

• Tennessee State University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Tennessee State University (970) is 80 points higher than at JCSU (890).
• Incoming Tennessee State University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (18 vs. 15 at JCSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Johnson C Smith University 800/980; Tennessee State University 880/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Johnson C Smith University 13/18; Tennessee State University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: JCSU - Test-free; Tennessee State University - Open admission.
• Accepted freshman Tennessee State University students have a 0.74 point higher average high school GPA (3.22) than students at JCSU (2.48).
• Tennessee State University has a higher acceptance rate (70.1%) than JCSU (45.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.8% at JCSU vs. 13% at Tennessee State University.

JCSU vs. Tennessee State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for JCSU 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).

• Johnson C Smith University's six-year graduation rate (37%) is higher than Tennessee State University's (36%).
• Graduates from Tennessee State University earn a median of about $8,100 more per year than JCSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,400 vs. $30,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Tennessee State University graduates have a $4,050 lower median loan debt than JCSU graduates ($28,000 vs. $32,050).
• Among borrowers, Tennessee State University graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than JCSU graduates ($289 vs. $331).
• More Tennessee State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former JCSU students, three years after graduation. (29% vs. 26%)

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.