Johnson University vs. Tennessee State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Johnson University in Knoxville, 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 Johnson University based on total student enrollment (6,310 students vs. 978 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Johnson University is located in Knoxville, TN (Rural Fringe setting); Tennessee State University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• Johnson 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 University 12:1; Tennessee State University 13:1.

Johnson University vs. Tennessee State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Johnson 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 Johnson University ($14,586 vs. $22,615).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Johnson University are 11.2% lower than at Tennessee State University ($9,900 vs. $11,150).
• Johnson University is 145.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tennessee State University (about $12,506 more per year; $21,122.00 vs. $8,616.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.1% higher at Tennessee State University than at Johnson University (about $1,294 more per year; $22,416.00 vs. $21,122.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Johnson University than at Tennessee State University (99% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Johnson University students is 20.4% larger than aid received by Tennessee State University students ($11,630 vs. $9,661).

Johnson University vs. Tennessee State University Admissions comparison

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

• Tennessee State University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Johnson University (1040) is 70 points higher than at Tennessee State University (970).
• Incoming Johnson 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: Johnson University 960/1110; Tennessee State University 880/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Johnson University 18/24; Tennessee State University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Johnson University - Test optional; Tennessee State University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Johnson University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Johnson University students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Tennessee State University (3.22).
• Tennessee State University has a higher acceptance rate (70.1%) than Johnson University (65.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 32.3% at Johnson University vs. 13% at Tennessee State University.

Johnson University vs. Tennessee State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Johnson 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).

• Johnson University's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than Tennessee State University's (36%).
• Graduates from Tennessee State University earn a median of about $7,300 more per year than Johnson University graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,400 vs. $31,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Johnson University graduates have a $6,620 lower median loan debt than Tennessee State University graduates ($21,380 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, Johnson University graduates have an estimated $68 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Tennessee State University graduates ($221 vs. $289).
• More Johnson University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Tennessee State University students, three years after graduation. (64% 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.