WSSU vs. Tennessee State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Winston Salem State University in Winston-Salem, NC 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 WSSU based on total student enrollment (6,310 students vs. 4,782 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Winston Salem State University is located in Winston-Salem, NC (Midsize City setting); Tennessee State University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• Winston Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Tennessee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Winston Salem State University 15:1; Tennessee State University 13:1.

WSSU vs. Tennessee State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WSSU 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 Winston Salem State University than Tennessee State University ($12,989 vs. $14,586).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Tennessee State University are 2.9% lower than at Winston Salem State University ($11,150 vs. $11,484).
• Tennessee State University is 40.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than WSSU (about $2,490 more per year; $8,616.00 vs. $6,126.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 33.6% higher at Tennessee State University than at Winston Salem State University (about $5,634 more per year; $22,416.00 vs. $16,782.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Winston Salem State University than at Tennessee State University (91% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Winston Salem State University students is 4.1% larger than aid received by Tennessee State University students ($10,057 vs. $9,661).

WSSU vs. Tennessee State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WSSU 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 WSSU.

• Tennessee State University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Tennessee State University (970) is 40 points higher than at WSSU (930).
• Incoming Tennessee State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (18 vs. 17 at WSSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Winston Salem State University 830/1020; Tennessee State University 880/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Winston Salem State University 15/20; Tennessee State University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WSSU - Test optional; Tennessee State University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: WSSU Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Tennessee State University students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.22) than students at WSSU (3.01).
• WSSU has a higher acceptance rate (78.3%) than Tennessee State University (70.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.1% at WSSU vs. 13% at Tennessee State University.

WSSU vs. Tennessee State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WSSU 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).

• Winston Salem State University's six-year graduation rate (41%) is higher than Tennessee State University's (36%).
• Graduates from Tennessee State University earn a median of about $2,700 more per year than WSSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,400 vs. $35,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Winston Salem State University graduates have a $2,337 lower median loan debt than Tennessee State University graduates ($25,663 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, WSSU graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Tennessee State University graduates ($265 vs. $289).
• More WSSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Tennessee State University students, three years after graduation. (33% 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.