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Cumberland University vs Tennessee State University

Cumberland University is a private university in Lebanon, TN. Tennessee State University is a public university in Nashville, TN. Cumberland University admits about 67% of applicants and Tennessee State University about 70%, making Cumberland University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $15,796 a year at Tennessee State University after aid, and about $18,759 at Cumberland University. About 46% of students graduate at Cumberland University, compared with 33% at Tennessee State University. Ten years after enrolling, Cumberland University alumni earn a median of about $57,687, against $42,730 for Tennessee State University.

Cumberland University

Lebanon, TN · Private

Tennessee State University

Nashville, TN · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Lebanon, TN
Nashville, TN
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,104
4,848
Acceptance rate
67%
70%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.38–3.88
3.31–3.81
SAT (middle 50%)
910–1100
880–1050
ACT (middle 50%)
18–23
16–21
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$18,759
$15,796
Full cost / yr
$43,358
$25,637
In-state tuition
$27,840
$8,616
Out-of-state tuition
$27,840
$22,416
Application fee
$25
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$17,882
$15,005
$30k - $48k
$18,048
$15,840
$48k - $75k
$19,609
$15,579
$75k - $110k
$20,333
$20,624
Over $110k
$20,917
$20,099
Outcomes
Graduation rate
46%
33%
Freshman retention
59%
34%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$52,246
$34,160
Median earnings (10 yr)
$57,687
$42,730
Median debt at graduation
$17,952
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
30%
51%
First-generation students
41%
37%
International students
7%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Oct 15
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 1
Aug 1

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Cumberland University or Tennessee State University harder to get into?
Cumberland University is harder to get into. It admits about 67% of applicants, compared with 70% at Tennessee State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Cumberland University or Tennessee State University?
Tennessee State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,796 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $18,759 at Cumberland University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Cumberland University and Tennessee State University?
Before aid, Tennessee State University costs about $25,637 a year and Cumberland University about $43,358. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Cumberland University or Tennessee State University?
Tennessee State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $15,005 there, against about $17,882 at Cumberland University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Cumberland University or Tennessee State University?
Tennessee State University is the larger of the two, with about 4,848 undergraduates against 2,104 at Cumberland University.
Does Cumberland University or Tennessee State University have a better graduation rate?
Cumberland University has the higher graduation rate, at about 46% against 33% at Tennessee State University.
Do graduates of Cumberland University or Tennessee State University earn more?
Cumberland University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $57,687 ten years after enrolling, against about $42,730 for Tennessee State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Cumberland University and Tennessee State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Cumberland University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Tennessee State University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Cumberland University and Tennessee State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 910–1100 at Cumberland University and 880–1050 at Tennessee State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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