South Carolina State University vs. Tennessee State University

Comparable Facts

Compare South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, SC 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 South Carolina State University based on total student enrollment (6,310 students vs. 3,242 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• South Carolina State University is located in Orangeburg, SC (Distant Town setting); Tennessee State University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• South Carolina State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Tennessee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: South Carolina State University 19:1; Tennessee State University 13:1.

South Carolina State University vs. Tennessee State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, South Carolina State 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 South Carolina State University ($14,586 vs. $17,965).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at South Carolina State University are 19.3% lower than at Tennessee State University ($9,000 vs. $11,150).
• South Carolina State University is 28.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tennessee State University (about $2,444 more per year; $11,060.00 vs. $8,616.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.1% higher at Tennessee State University than at South Carolina State University (about $666 more per year; $22,416.00 vs. $21,750.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at South Carolina State University than at Tennessee State University (95% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by South Carolina State University students is 19.9% larger than aid received by Tennessee State University students ($11,579 vs. $9,661).

South Carolina State University vs. Tennessee State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, South Carolina State 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 South Carolina State University.

• Tennessee State University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Tennessee State University (970) is 40 points higher than at South Carolina State University (930).
• Incoming Tennessee State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (18 vs. 17 at South Carolina State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: South Carolina State University 800/1050; Tennessee State University 880/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: South Carolina State University 15/19; Tennessee State University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: South Carolina State University - Test-free; Tennessee State University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: South Carolina State University Jul 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Tennessee State University students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.22) than students at South Carolina State University (3.17).
• South Carolina State University has a higher acceptance rate (82.6%) than Tennessee State University (70.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.4% at South Carolina State University vs. 13% at Tennessee State University.

South Carolina State University vs. Tennessee State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for South Carolina State 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).

• Tennessee State University's six-year graduation rate (36%) is higher than South Carolina State University's (35%).
• Graduates from Tennessee State University earn a median of about $7,400 more per year than South Carolina State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,400 vs. $31,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Tennessee State University graduates have a $5,205 lower median loan debt than South Carolina State University graduates ($28,000 vs. $33,205).
• Among borrowers, Tennessee State University graduates have an estimated $54 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than South Carolina State University graduates ($289 vs. $343).
• More Tennessee State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former South Carolina State University students, three years after graduation. (29% vs. 27%)

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.