Eastern vs. Tennessee State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, KY with Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Eastern Kentucky University is larger than Tennessee State University based on total student enrollment (15,673 students vs. 6,310 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Eastern Kentucky University is located in Richmond, KY (Distant Town setting); Tennessee State University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• Eastern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Tennessee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Eastern Kentucky University 17:1; Tennessee State University 13:1.

Eastern vs. Tennessee State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Eastern 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 Eastern Kentucky University than Tennessee State University ($12,279 vs. $14,586).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Tennessee State University are 9.1% lower than at Eastern Kentucky University ($11,150 vs. $12,268).
• Eastern Kentucky University is 19.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tennessee State University (about $1,704 more per year; $10,320.00 vs. $8,616.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.6% higher at Tennessee State University than at Eastern Kentucky University (about $1,186 more per year; $22,416.00 vs. $21,230.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Eastern Kentucky University than at Tennessee State University (98% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Eastern Kentucky University students is 18.7% larger than aid received by Tennessee State University students ($11,468 vs. $9,661).

Eastern vs. Tennessee State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Eastern 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 Eastern.

• Tennessee State University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Eastern Kentucky University (980) is 10 points higher than at Tennessee State University (970).
• Incoming Eastern students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 18 at Tennessee State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eastern Kentucky University 880/1080; Tennessee State University 880/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eastern Kentucky University 19/25; Tennessee State University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Eastern - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); Tennessee State University - Required to be considered for admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Eastern Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Eastern students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.39) than students at Tennessee State University (3.22).
• Eastern has a higher acceptance rate (77.6%) than Tennessee State University (70.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.9% at Eastern vs. 13% at Tennessee State University.

Eastern vs. Tennessee State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Eastern 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).

• Eastern Kentucky University's six-year graduation rate (38%) is higher than Tennessee State University's (36%).
• Graduates from Tennessee State University earn a median of about $500 more per year than Eastern graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,400 vs. $37,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Eastern Kentucky University graduates have a $4,305 lower median loan debt than Tennessee State University graduates ($23,695 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, Eastern graduates have an estimated $44 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Tennessee State University graduates ($245 vs. $289).
• More Eastern graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Tennessee State University students, three years after graduation. (49% 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.