Tennessee Wesleyan University vs. Nelson University

Comparable Facts

Compare Tennessee Wesleyan University in Athens, TN with Nelson University in Waxahachie, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Nelson University is larger than Tennessee Wesleyan University based on total student enrollment (1,794 students vs. 1,198 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Tennessee Wesleyan University is located in Athens, TN (Distant Town setting); Nelson University is in Waxahachie, TX (Distant Town setting).
• Tennessee Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Nelson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Tennessee Wesleyan University 12:1; Nelson University 15:1.

Tennessee Wesleyan University vs. Nelson University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Tennessee Wesleyan University or Nelson 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 Wesleyan University than Nelson University ($15,125 vs. $22,359).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Tennessee Wesleyan University are 1.5% lower than at Nelson University ($9,458 vs. $9,598).
• Tennessee Wesleyan University is 22.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Nelson University (about $5,750 more per year; $30,814.00 vs. $25,064.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.9% higher at Tennessee Wesleyan University than at Nelson University (about $5,750 more per year; $30,814.00 vs. $25,064.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Tennessee Wesleyan University than at Nelson University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Tennessee Wesleyan University students is 104.5% larger than aid received by Nelson University students ($24,692 vs. $12,075).

Tennessee Wesleyan University vs. Nelson University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Tennessee Wesleyan University or Nelson 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 Nelson University and Tennessee Wesleyan University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Tennessee Wesleyan University (1030) is 40 points higher than at Nelson University (990).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Tennessee Wesleyan University 960/1100; Nelson University 890/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Tennessee Wesleyan University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Tennessee Wesleyan University - Test optional; Nelson University - Required.
• Accepted freshman Tennessee Wesleyan University students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Nelson University (3.19).
• Nelson University has a higher acceptance rate (89%) than Tennessee Wesleyan University (68.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.3% at Tennessee Wesleyan University vs. 56.8% at Nelson University.

Tennessee Wesleyan University vs. Nelson University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Tennessee Wesleyan University and Nelson 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 Wesleyan University's six-year graduation rate (44%) is higher than Nelson University's (37%).
• Graduates from Tennessee Wesleyan University earn a median of about $5,800 more per year than Nelson University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,700 vs. $36,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Tennessee Wesleyan University graduates have a $7,500 lower median loan debt than Nelson University graduates ($18,750 vs. $26,250).
• Among borrowers, Tennessee Wesleyan University graduates have an estimated $78 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Nelson University graduates ($193 vs. $271).
• More Tennessee Wesleyan University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Nelson University students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 50%)

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.