Tennessee State University vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN with Norfolk State University in Norfolk, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Tennessee State University is larger than NSU based on total student enrollment (6,310 students vs. 6,053 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Tennessee State University vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Tennessee State University or NSU? 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 Norfolk State University than Tennessee State University ($9,124 vs. $14,586).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Tennessee State University are 3.8% lower than at Norfolk State University ($11,150 vs. $11,591).
• Norfolk State University is 18.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tennessee State University (about $1,564 more per year; $10,180.00 vs. $8,616.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.4% higher at Tennessee State University than at Norfolk State University (about $734 more per year; $22,416.00 vs. $21,682.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Norfolk State University than at Tennessee State University (75% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Norfolk State University students is 55.8% larger than aid received by Tennessee State University students ($15,056 vs. $9,661).

Tennessee State University vs. NSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Tennessee State University or NSU? 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 NSU and Tennessee State University.

• 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 NSU (930).
• Incoming NSU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 18 at Tennessee State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Tennessee State University 880/1050; Norfolk State University 823/1030.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Tennessee State University 16/21; Norfolk State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Tennessee State University - Required to be considered for admission; NSU - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: NSU May 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Tennessee State University students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.22) than students at NSU (2.9).
• NSU has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than Tennessee State University (70.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13% at Tennessee State University vs. 13.2% at NSU.

Tennessee State University vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Tennessee State University and NSU? 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 Norfolk State University's (33%).
• Graduates from Tennessee State University earn a median of about $1,700 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,400 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Tennessee State University graduates have a $3,000 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($28,000 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Tennessee State University graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($289 vs. $320).
• More Tennessee State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (29% vs. 27%)

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.