Tennessee Wesleyan University vs. Tennessee State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Tennessee Wesleyan University in Athens, TN 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 Tennessee Wesleyan University based on total student enrollment (6,310 students vs. 1,198 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Tennessee Wesleyan University is located in Athens, TN (Distant Town setting); Tennessee State University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• Tennessee Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Tennessee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Tennessee Wesleyan University 12:1; Tennessee State University 13:1.

Tennessee Wesleyan University vs. Tennessee State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Tennessee Wesleyan University 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 Tennessee Wesleyan University ($14,586 vs. $15,125).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Tennessee Wesleyan University are 15.2% lower than at Tennessee State University ($9,458 vs. $11,150).
• Tennessee Wesleyan University is 257.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tennessee State University (about $22,198 more per year; $30,814.00 vs. $8,616.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 37.5% higher at Tennessee Wesleyan University than at Tennessee State University (about $8,398 more per year; $30,814.00 vs. $22,416.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Tennessee Wesleyan University than at Tennessee State University (100% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Tennessee Wesleyan University students is 155.6% larger than aid received by Tennessee State University students ($24,692 vs. $9,661).

Tennessee Wesleyan University vs. Tennessee State University Admissions comparison

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

• Tennessee State University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Tennessee Wesleyan University (1030) is 60 points higher than at Tennessee State University (970).
• Incoming Tennessee Wesleyan University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 18 at Tennessee State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Tennessee Wesleyan University 960/1100; Tennessee State University 880/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Tennessee Wesleyan University 17/23; Tennessee State University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Tennessee Wesleyan University - Test optional; Tennessee State University - Open admission.
• Accepted freshman Tennessee Wesleyan University students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Tennessee State University (3.22).
• Tennessee State University has a higher acceptance rate (70.1%) than Tennessee Wesleyan University (68.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.3% at Tennessee Wesleyan University vs. 13% at Tennessee State University.

Tennessee Wesleyan University vs. Tennessee State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Tennessee Wesleyan University 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).

• Tennessee Wesleyan University's six-year graduation rate (44%) is higher than Tennessee State University's (36%).
• Graduates from Tennessee Wesleyan University earn a median of about $4,300 more per year than Tennessee State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,700 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Tennessee Wesleyan University graduates have a $9,250 lower median loan debt than Tennessee State University graduates ($18,750 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, Tennessee Wesleyan University graduates have an estimated $96 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Tennessee State University graduates ($193 vs. $289).
• More Tennessee Wesleyan University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Tennessee State University students, three years after graduation. (61% 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.