Lee University vs. Tennessee State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Lee University in Cleveland, 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 Lee University based on total student enrollment (6,310 students vs. 3,714 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Lee University vs. Tennessee State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lee 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 Lee University ($14,586 vs. $20,416).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lee University are 9.3% lower than at Tennessee State University ($10,110 vs. $11,150).
• Lee University is 176.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tennessee State University (about $15,174 more per year; $23,790.00 vs. $8,616.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.1% higher at Lee University than at Tennessee State University (about $1,374 more per year; $23,790.00 vs. $22,416.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lee University than at Tennessee State University (99% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lee University students is 60.1% larger than aid received by Tennessee State University students ($15,467 vs. $9,661).

Lee University vs. Tennessee State University Admissions comparison

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

• Tennessee State University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lee University (1140) is 170 points higher than at Tennessee State University (970).
• Incoming Lee University students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 18 at Tennessee State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lee University 1040/1230; Tennessee State University 880/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lee University 20/27; Tennessee State University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lee University - Test optional; Tennessee State University - Open admission.
• Accepted freshman Lee University students have a 0.51 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Tennessee State University (3.22).
• Lee University has a higher acceptance rate (70.5%) than Tennessee State University (70.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 35% at Lee University vs. 13% at Tennessee State University.

Lee University vs. Tennessee State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lee 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).

• Lee University's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than Tennessee State University's (36%).
• Graduates from Tennessee State University earn a median of about $1,300 more per year than Lee University graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,400 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lee University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Tennessee State University graduates ($27,000 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, Lee University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Tennessee State University graduates ($279 vs. $289).
• More Lee University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Tennessee State University students, three years after graduation. (60% 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.