Tennessee State University vs. WVSU

Comparable Facts

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

Tennessee State University is larger than WVSU based on total student enrollment (6,310 students vs. 3,246 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Tennessee State University vs. WVSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Tennessee State University or WVSU? 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 West Virginia State University than Tennessee State University ($11,055 vs. $14,586).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Tennessee State University are 17.5% lower than at West Virginia State University ($11,150 vs. $13,522).
• West Virginia State University is 11.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tennessee State University (about $954 more per year; $9,570.00 vs. $8,616.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 49.5% higher at Tennessee State University than at West Virginia State University (about $7,426 more per year; $22,416.00 vs. $14,990.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at West Virginia State University than at Tennessee State University (88% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Tennessee State University students is 7.4% larger than aid received by West Virginia State University students ($9,661 vs. $8,993).

Tennessee State University vs. WVSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Tennessee State University or WVSU? 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 WVSU 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 WVSU (900).
• Incoming Tennessee State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (18 vs. 17 at WVSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Tennessee State University 880/1050; West Virginia State University 760/1040.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Tennessee State University 16/21; West Virginia State University 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Tennessee State University - Open admission; WVSU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman WVSU students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.24) than students at Tennessee State University (3.22).
• WVSU has a higher acceptance rate (96%) than Tennessee State University (70.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13% at Tennessee State University vs. 5.5% at WVSU.

Tennessee State University vs. WVSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Tennessee State University and WVSU? 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 West Virginia State University's (25%).
• Graduates from Tennessee State University earn a median of about $5,700 more per year than WVSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,400 vs. $32,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, West Virginia State University graduates have a $4,750 lower median loan debt than Tennessee State University graduates ($23,250 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, WVSU graduates have an estimated $49 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Tennessee State University graduates ($240 vs. $289).
• More WVSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Tennessee State University students, three years after graduation. (35% 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.