Wilberforce University vs. Tennessee State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Wilberforce University in Wilberforce, OH 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 Wilberforce University based on total student enrollment (6,310 students vs. 838 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Wilberforce University vs. Tennessee State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Wilberforce 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 Wilberforce University than Tennessee State University ($5,533 vs. $14,586).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wilberforce University are 23.2% lower than at Tennessee State University ($8,564 vs. $11,150).
• Wilberforce University is 90.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tennessee State University (about $7,832 more per year; $16,448.00 vs. $8,616.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 36.3% higher at Tennessee State University than at Wilberforce University (about $5,968 more per year; $22,416.00 vs. $16,448.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Wilberforce University than at Tennessee State University (100% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wilberforce University students is 108.5% larger than aid received by Tennessee State University students ($20,143 vs. $9,661).

Wilberforce University vs. Tennessee State University Admissions comparison

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

• Tennessee State University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Tennessee State University (970) is 80 points higher than at Wilberforce University (890).
• Incoming Tennessee State University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (18 vs. 16 at Wilberforce University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wilberforce University 840/940; Tennessee State University 880/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wilberforce University 14/18; Tennessee State University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Wilberforce University - Test optional; Tennessee State University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Wilberforce University Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Tennessee State University students have a 0.4 point higher average high school GPA (3.22) than students at Wilberforce University (2.82).
• Tennessee State University has a higher acceptance rate (70.1%) than Wilberforce University (40.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.2% at Wilberforce University vs. 13% at Tennessee State University.

Wilberforce University vs. Tennessee State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Wilberforce 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 Wilberforce University's (30%).
• Graduates from Tennessee State University earn a median of about $2,200 more per year than Wilberforce University graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,400 vs. $36,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wilberforce University graduates have a $7,250 lower median loan debt than Tennessee State University graduates ($20,750 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, Wilberforce University graduates have an estimated $75 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Tennessee State University graduates ($214 vs. $289).
• More Wilberforce University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Tennessee State University students, three years after graduation. (39% 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.