Spalding vs. Tennessee State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Spalding University in Louisville, KY 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 Spalding based on total student enrollment (6,310 students vs. 1,553 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Spalding University is located in Louisville, KY (Large City setting); Tennessee State University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• Spalding University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Tennessee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Spalding University 9:1; Tennessee State University 13:1.

Spalding vs. Tennessee State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Spalding 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 Spalding ($14,586 vs. $25,999).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Spalding University are 12.9% lower than at Tennessee State University ($9,710 vs. $11,150).
• Spalding University is 238.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tennessee State University (about $20,584 more per year; $29,200.00 vs. $8,616.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 30.3% higher at Spalding than at Tennessee State University (about $6,784 more per year; $29,200.00 vs. $22,416.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Spalding University than at Tennessee State University (100% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Spalding University students is 101.1% larger than aid received by Tennessee State University students ($19,429 vs. $9,661).

Spalding vs. Tennessee State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Spalding 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 Spalding.

• Tennessee State University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Tennessee State University (970) is 10 points higher than at Spalding (960).
• Incoming Spalding 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: Spalding University 875/1038; Tennessee State University 880/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Spalding University 15/22; Tennessee State University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Spalding - Test optional; Tennessee State University - Open admission.
• Accepted freshman Spalding students have a 0.65 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at Tennessee State University (3.22).
• Spalding has a higher acceptance rate (99.4%) than Tennessee State University (70.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Spalding vs. 13% at Tennessee State University.

Spalding vs. Tennessee State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Spalding 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).

• Spalding University's six-year graduation rate (42%) is higher than Tennessee State University's (36%).
• Graduates from Spalding University earn a median of about $6,900 more per year than Tennessee State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,300 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Spalding University graduates have a $3,000 lower median loan debt than Tennessee State University graduates ($25,000 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, Spalding graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Tennessee State University graduates ($258 vs. $289).
• More Spalding graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Tennessee State University students, three years after graduation. (44% 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.