Southeast Missouri State University vs. Tennessee State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, MO with Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Southeast Missouri State University is larger than Tennessee State University based on total student enrollment (9,501 students vs. 6,310 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southeast Missouri State University is located in Cape Girardeau, MO (Remote Town setting); Tennessee State University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• Southeast Missouri 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: Southeast Missouri State University 20:1; Tennessee State University 13:1.

Southeast Missouri State University vs. Tennessee State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Southeast Missouri 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 Southeast Missouri State University ($14,586 vs. $16,185).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Tennessee State University are 8.6% lower than at Southeast Missouri State University ($11,150 vs. $12,198).
• Southeast Missouri State University is 14.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tennessee State University (about $1,287 more per year; $9,903.00 vs. $8,616.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 126.4% higher at Tennessee State University than at Southeast Missouri State University (about $12,513 more per year; $22,416.00 vs. $9,903.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southeast Missouri State University than at Tennessee State University (94% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Tennessee State University students is 13.5% larger than aid received by Southeast Missouri State University students ($9,661 vs. $8,512).

Southeast Missouri State University vs. Tennessee State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Southeast Missouri 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 Southeast Missouri State University.

• Tennessee State University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Tennessee State University (970) is 30 points higher than at Southeast Missouri State University (940).
• Incoming Southeast Missouri State University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 18) as students at Tennessee State University (18).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southeast Missouri State University 850/1030; Tennessee State University 880/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southeast Missouri State University 16/21; Tennessee State University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Southeast Missouri State University - Test optional; Tennessee State University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Southeast Missouri State University Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Southeast Missouri State University students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at Tennessee State University (3.22).
• Southeast Missouri State University has a higher acceptance rate (73.5%) than Tennessee State University (70.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.9% at Southeast Missouri State University vs. 13% at Tennessee State University.

Southeast Missouri State University vs. Tennessee State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Southeast Missouri 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).

• Southeast Missouri State University's six-year graduation rate (46%) is higher than Tennessee State University's (36%).
• Graduates from Southeast Missouri State University earn a median of about $2,100 more per year than Tennessee State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,500 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southeast Missouri State University graduates have a $5,473 lower median loan debt than Tennessee State University graduates ($22,527 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, Southeast Missouri State University graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Tennessee State University graduates ($232 vs. $289).
• More Southeast Missouri State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Tennessee State University students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.