Union Commonwealth University vs. Tennessee State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Union Commonwealth University in Barbourville, KY 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 Union Commonwealth University based on total student enrollment (6,310 students vs. 1,324 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Union Commonwealth University is located in Barbourville, KY (Remote Town setting); Tennessee State University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• Union Commonwealth University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Tennessee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Union Commonwealth University 14:1; Tennessee State University 13:1.

Union Commonwealth University vs. Tennessee State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Union Commonwealth 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 Union Commonwealth University ($14,586 vs. $17,124).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union Commonwealth University are 25.9% lower than at Tennessee State University ($8,261 vs. $11,150).
• Union Commonwealth University is 259.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tennessee State University (about $22,330 more per year; $30,946.00 vs. $8,616.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 38.1% higher at Union Commonwealth University than at Tennessee State University (about $8,530 more per year; $30,946.00 vs. $22,416.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Union Commonwealth University than at Tennessee State University (100% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Union Commonwealth University students is 179.1% larger than aid received by Tennessee State University students ($26,961 vs. $9,661).

Union Commonwealth University vs. Tennessee State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Union Commonwealth 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 Union Commonwealth University.

• Tennessee State University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Union Commonwealth University (1010) is 40 points higher than at Tennessee State University (970).
• Incoming Tennessee State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (18 vs. 17 at Union Commonwealth University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Union Commonwealth University 920/1105; Tennessee State University 880/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Union Commonwealth University 14/21; Tennessee State University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Union Commonwealth University - Test optional; Tennessee State University - Open admission.
• Accepted freshman Tennessee State University students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.22) than students at Union Commonwealth University (3.15).
• Tennessee State University has a higher acceptance rate (70.1%) than Union Commonwealth University (63.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38.8% at Union Commonwealth University vs. 13% at Tennessee State University.

Union Commonwealth University vs. Tennessee State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Union Commonwealth 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 State University's six-year graduation rate (36%) is higher than Union Commonwealth University's (32%).
• Graduates from Tennessee State University earn a median of about $3,600 more per year than Union Commonwealth University graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,400 vs. $34,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Union Commonwealth University graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than Tennessee State University graduates ($24,000 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, Union Commonwealth University graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Tennessee State University graduates ($248 vs. $289).
• More Union Commonwealth University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Tennessee State University students, three years after graduation. (42% 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.