Fisk University campus

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Fisk University

  • 6/10 Overall Rating
  • 4 Year
  • Nashville, TN
  • 0 reviews
#9 Best Private Colleges in Tennessee
Overview Admission Cost Majors Diversity Outcomes Salaries Location Compare Reviews Admission Calculator

Overview

Total enrollment

1,059
Fisk University overview
Fisk University overview
  • Size Small
  • Status Non-profit
  • Housing Yes
  • Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate

Fisk University, located in Nashville, Tennessee, is a private historically Black university founded in 1866 as the Fisk Free Colored School during the Reconstruction era. The campus, situated two miles north of downtown Nashville, features several Victorian-era buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the iconic Jubilee Hall. As one of the nation's most academically selective HBCUs, Fisk maintains strong programs in natural sciences, social sciences, and business administration, with particular recognition for its physics and mathematics departments through partnerships with institutions like Vanderbilt University and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The university's cultural legacy includes the world-renowned Fisk Jubilee Singers, an a cappella ensemble formed in 1871 that helped introduce African American spiritual music to the world while raising funds to sustain the institution. Residential life centers around traditional dormitories, with all first-year and sophomore students required to live on campus.

Fisk University is a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) primarily serving the African-American community. Explore all HBCUs
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Ratings

Fisk University is rated within the top 50% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 6 out of 10.

  • Overall Rating
    6 out of 10
  • Academics
    10 out of 10
  • Resources
    5 out of 10
  • Outcomes
    3 out of 10
  • Value
    7 out of 10
Learn how ratings are calculated

Rankings

Rankings for Fisk University within the 2027 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.

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Admissions

Admission Standards

Challenging
Fisk University admission standards
  • SAT (enrolled mid-50) 1140/1510
  • ACT (enrolled mid-50) 19/24
  • GPA 3.1

Acceptance Rate

37.4%
Fisk University applications overview
  • Applications Due Aug 1, 2027
  • Enrollment Rate 8.8%
  • Application Fee $0

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Annual Cost to Attend

Tuition

$25,858
Costs for Fisk University
Fee Cost
Tuition $25,858
Books and Supplies $2,000
Other Fees $1,978
Room and Board $14,540
Budget for Other Expenses $3,500
Total One Year Cost $47,876
View Tuition & Financial Aid Details

Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$35,900 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

45% within 6 years
View Post Graduation Outcomes

Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at Fisk University are Business, Biology, and Psychology. 21% of students major in Business, 17% in Biology, and 17% in Psychology.

  • Business 21%
  • Biology 17%
  • Psychology 17%
  • Social Sciences 13%
  • Physical Sciences 9%
View All 17 Majors

More Colleges to Consider

Students considering Fisk University are frequently interested in these similar colleges.

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=220181.

GPA calculator: Fisk University GPA calculator.

Last updated: August 2026