Tusculum University vs. VSU

Comparable Facts

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

Virginia State University is larger than Tusculum University based on total student enrollment (5,605 students vs. 1,103 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Tusculum University is located in Greeneville, TN (Distant Town setting); Virginia State University is in Petersburg, VA (Large Suburban setting).
• Tusculum University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Tusculum University 18:1; Virginia State University 13:1.

Tusculum University vs. VSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Tusculum 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 Virginia State University than Tusculum University ($17,840 vs. $20,355).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Tusculum University are 17.6% lower than at Virginia State University ($11,000 vs. $13,355).
• Tusculum University is 191.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than VSU (about $19,207 more per year; $29,250.00 vs. $10,043.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 29.1% higher at Tusculum University than at Virginia State University (about $6,600 more per year; $29,250.00 vs. $22,650.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Tusculum University than at Virginia State University (94% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Tusculum University students is 90.9% larger than aid received by Virginia State University students ($23,759 vs. $12,447).

Tusculum University vs. VSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Tusculum 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 Tusculum University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Tusculum University (1010) is 50 points higher than at VSU (960).
• Incoming Tusculum University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 17 at VSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Tusculum University 910/1110; Virginia State University 840/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Tusculum University 17/22; Virginia State University 14/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Tusculum University - Test-free; VSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VSU May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Tusculum University students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.18) than students at VSU (2.85).
• VSU has a higher acceptance rate (88.6%) than Tusculum University (72.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.4% at Tusculum University vs. 14.3% at VSU.

Tusculum University vs. VSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Tusculum 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 Tusculum University's (38%).
• Graduates from Tusculum University earn a median of about $5,200 more per year than VSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,900 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Tusculum University graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than VSU graduates ($27,000 vs. $29,500).
• Among borrowers, Tusculum University graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VSU graduates ($279 vs. $305).
• More Tusculum University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VSU students, three years after graduation. (52% 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.