Tennessee State University vs. TSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN with Texas Southern University in Houston, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Texas Southern University is larger than Tennessee State University based on total student enrollment (8,704 students vs. 6,310 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Tennessee State University is located in Nashville, TN (Large City setting); Texas Southern University is in Houston, TX (Large City setting).
• Tennessee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Texas Southern University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Tennessee State University 13:1; Texas Southern University 19:1.

Tennessee State University vs. TSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Tennessee State University or TSU? 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 Texas Southern University than Tennessee State University ($13,584 vs. $14,586).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Tennessee State University are 12.9% lower than at Texas Southern University ($11,150 vs. $12,800).
• Texas Southern University is 6.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tennessee State University (about $557 more per year; $9,173.00 vs. $8,616.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.4% higher at Tennessee State University than at Texas Southern University (about $943 more per year; $22,416.00 vs. $21,473.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Texas Southern University than at Tennessee State University (95% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Texas Southern University students is 1.7% larger than aid received by Tennessee State University students ($9,823 vs. $9,661).

Tennessee State University vs. TSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Tennessee State University or TSU? 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 TSU and Tennessee State University.

• Tennessee State University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Tennessee State University (970) is 70 points higher than at TSU (900).
• Incoming Tennessee State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (18 vs. 17 at TSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Tennessee State University 880/1050; Texas Southern University 800/1000.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Tennessee State University 16/21; Texas Southern University 15/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Tennessee State University - Open admission; TSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: TSU Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Tennessee State University students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.22) than students at TSU (3.0).
• TSU has a higher acceptance rate (96.9%) than Tennessee State University (70.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13% at Tennessee State University vs. 17.9% at TSU.

Tennessee State University vs. TSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Tennessee State University and TSU? 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 Texas Southern University's (12%).
• Graduates from Tennessee State University earn a median of about $2,200 more per year than TSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,400 vs. $36,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Tennessee State University graduates have a $1,358 lower median loan debt than TSU graduates ($28,000 vs. $29,358).
• Among borrowers, Tennessee State University graduates have an estimated $14 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than TSU graduates ($289 vs. $303).
• More Tennessee State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former TSU students, three years after graduation. (29% vs. 22%)

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.