Tennessee State University vs. VSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN with Virginia State University in Petersburg, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Tennessee State University is larger than VSU based on total student enrollment (6,310 students vs. 5,605 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Tennessee State University is located in Nashville, TN (Large City setting); Virginia State University is in Petersburg, VA (Large Suburban setting).
• Tennessee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Tennessee State University 13:1; Virginia State University 13:1.

Tennessee State University vs. VSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Tennessee State University or VSU? 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 VSU ($14,586 vs. $17,840).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Tennessee State University are 16.5% lower than at Virginia State University ($11,150 vs. $13,355).
• Virginia State University is 16.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tennessee State University (about $1,427 more per year; $10,043.00 vs. $8,616.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1% higher at VSU than at Tennessee State University (about $234 more per year; $22,650.00 vs. $22,416.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Virginia State University than at Tennessee State University (92% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Virginia State University students is 28.8% larger than aid received by Tennessee State University students ($12,447 vs. $9,661).

Tennessee State University vs. VSU Admissions comparison

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

• 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 VSU (960).
• Incoming Tennessee State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (18 vs. 17 at VSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Tennessee State University 880/1050; Virginia State University 840/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Tennessee State University 16/21; Virginia State University 14/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Tennessee State University - Open admission; VSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VSU May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Tennessee State University students have a 0.37 point higher average high school GPA (3.22) than students at VSU (2.85).
• VSU has a higher acceptance rate (88.6%) than Tennessee State University (70.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13% at Tennessee State University vs. 14.3% at VSU.

Tennessee State University vs. VSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Tennessee State University and VSU? 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).

• Virginia State University's six-year graduation rate (40%) is higher than Tennessee State University's (36%).
• Graduates from Tennessee State University earn a median of about $1,700 more per year than VSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,400 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Tennessee State University graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than VSU graduates ($28,000 vs. $29,500).
• Among borrowers, Tennessee State University graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VSU graduates ($289 vs. $305).
• More Tennessee State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VSU students, three years after graduation. (29% vs. 28%)

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.