University of West Alabama vs. Tennessee State University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of West Alabama in Livingston, AL with Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of West Alabama is larger than Tennessee State University based on total student enrollment (6,820 students vs. 6,310 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of West Alabama is located in Livingston, AL (Remote Rural setting); Tennessee State University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• University of West Alabama is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Tennessee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of West Alabama 19:1; Tennessee State University 13:1.

University of West Alabama vs. Tennessee State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of West Alabama 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 University of West Alabama than Tennessee State University ($13,954 vs. $14,586).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of West Alabama are 26.2% lower than at Tennessee State University ($8,230 vs. $11,150).
• University of West Alabama is 27.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tennessee State University (about $2,374 more per year; $10,990.00 vs. $8,616.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.6% higher at Tennessee State University than at University of West Alabama (about $2,326 more per year; $22,416.00 vs. $20,090.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of West Alabama than at Tennessee State University (93% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Tennessee State University students is 6.9% larger than aid received by University of West Alabama students ($9,661 vs. $9,037).

University of West Alabama vs. Tennessee State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of West Alabama 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 University of West Alabama.

• Tennessee State University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of West Alabama (990) is 20 points higher than at Tennessee State University (970).
• Incoming University of West Alabama students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 18) as students at Tennessee State University (18).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of West Alabama 860/1120; Tennessee State University 880/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of West Alabama 16/21; Tennessee State University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of West Alabama - Test optional; Tennessee State University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of West Alabama Aug 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Tennessee State University students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.22) than students at University of West Alabama (3.16).
• Tennessee State University has a higher acceptance rate (70.1%) than University of West Alabama (42.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.4% at University of West Alabama vs. 13% at Tennessee State University.

University of West Alabama vs. Tennessee State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of West Alabama 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 University of West Alabama's (28%).
• Graduates from University of West Alabama earn a median of about $100 more per year than Tennessee State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,500 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of West Alabama graduates have a $1,511 lower median loan debt than Tennessee State University graduates ($26,489 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, University of West Alabama graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Tennessee State University graduates ($273 vs. $289).
• More University of West Alabama graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Tennessee State University students, three years after graduation. (36% 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.