Southern University and A & M College vs. Tennessee State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Southern University and A & M College in Baton Rouge, LA with Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Southern University and A & M College is larger than Tennessee State University based on total student enrollment (7,452 students vs. 6,310 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southern University and A & M College is located in Baton Rouge, LA (Midsize City setting); Tennessee State University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• Southern University and A & M College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Tennessee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern University and A & M College 21:1; Tennessee State University 13:1.

Southern University and A & M College vs. Tennessee State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Southern University and A & M 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 Southern University and A & M College ($14,586 vs. $18,353).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern University and A & M College are 28.1% lower than at Tennessee State University ($8,018 vs. $11,150).
• Southern University and A & M College is 15.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tennessee State University (about $1,306 more per year; $9,922.00 vs. $8,616.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 29.8% higher at Tennessee State University than at Southern University and A & M College (about $5,144 more per year; $22,416.00 vs. $17,272.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern University and A & M College than at Tennessee State University (90% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Tennessee State University students is 21.6% larger than aid received by Southern University and A & M College students ($9,661 vs. $7,945).

Southern University and A & M College vs. Tennessee State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Southern University and A & M 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 Southern University and A & M College.

• Tennessee State University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Tennessee State University (970) is 60 points higher than at Southern University and A & M College (910).
• Incoming Tennessee State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (18 vs. 17 at Southern University and A & M College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern University and A & M College 790/1020; Tennessee State University 880/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern University and A & M College 15/19; Tennessee State University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Southern University and A & M College - Test optional; Tennessee State University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Southern University and A & M College Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Tennessee State University students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.22) than students at Southern University and A & M College (3.1).
• Tennessee State University has a higher acceptance rate (70.1%) than Southern University and A & M College (35.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.1% at Southern University and A & M College vs. 13% at Tennessee State University.

Southern University and A & M College vs. Tennessee State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Southern University and A & M 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 Southern University and A & M College's (19%).
• Graduates from Tennessee State University earn a median of about $400 more per year than Southern University and A & M College graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,400 vs. $38,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Tennessee State University graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than Southern University and A & M College graduates ($28,000 vs. $30,750).
• Among borrowers, Tennessee State University graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southern University and A & M College graduates ($289 vs. $317).
• More Tennessee State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern University and A & M College students, three years after graduation. (29% vs. 25%)

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.