Paine College vs. Tennessee State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Paine College in Augusta, GA 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 Paine College based on total student enrollment (6,310 students vs. 390 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Paine College is located in Augusta, GA (Midsize City setting); Tennessee State University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• Paine College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Tennessee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Paine College 11:1; Tennessee State University 13:1.

Paine College vs. Tennessee State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Paine College 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 Paine College ($14,586 vs. $15,935).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Paine College are 32.6% lower than at Tennessee State University ($7,512 vs. $11,150).
• Paine College is 69.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tennessee State University (about $5,980 more per year; $14,596.00 vs. $8,616.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 53.6% higher at Tennessee State University than at Paine College (about $7,820 more per year; $22,416.00 vs. $14,596.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Paine College than at Tennessee State University (100% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Paine College students is 25.7% larger than aid received by Tennessee State University students ($12,145 vs. $9,661).

Paine College vs. Tennessee State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Paine College 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 Paine College.

• Tennessee State University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Tennessee State University (970) is 90 points higher than at Paine College (880).
• Incoming Tennessee State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (18 vs. 17 at Paine College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Paine College 776/976; Tennessee State University 880/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Paine College 15/19; Tennessee State University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Paine College - Test-free; Tennessee State University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Paine College Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Tennessee State University students have a 0.41 point higher average high school GPA (3.22) than students at Paine College (2.81).
• Paine College has a higher acceptance rate (95.4%) than Tennessee State University (70.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 3.6% at Paine College vs. 13% at Tennessee State University.

Paine College vs. Tennessee State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Paine College 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).

• Tennessee State University's six-year graduation rate (36%) is higher than Paine College's (27%).
• Graduates from Tennessee State University earn a median of about $10,000 more per year than Paine College graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,400 vs. $28,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Tennessee State University graduates have a $7,750 lower median loan debt than Paine College graduates ($28,000 vs. $35,750).
• Among borrowers, Tennessee State University graduates have an estimated $80 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Paine College graduates ($289 vs. $369).
• More Tennessee State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Paine College students, three years after graduation. (29% vs. 15%)

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.