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Lee University vs Tennessee State University

Lee University is a private university in Cleveland, TN. Tennessee State University is a public university in Nashville, TN. Tennessee State University admits about 70% of applicants and Lee University about 71%, making Tennessee State 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 $18,878 at Lee University. About 62% of students graduate at Lee University, compared with 33% at Tennessee State University. Ten years after enrolling, Lee University alumni earn a median of about $43,222, against $42,730 for Tennessee State University.

Lee University

Cleveland, TN · Private

Tennessee State University

Nashville, TN · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Cleveland, TN
Nashville, TN
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,617
4,848
Acceptance rate
71%
70%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.43–3.93
3.31–3.81
SAT (middle 50%)
1040–1230
880–1050
ACT (middle 50%)
20–27
16–21
Test policy
Considered
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$18,878
$15,796
Full cost / yr
$35,688
$25,637
In-state tuition
$23,790
$8,616
Out-of-state tuition
$23,790
$22,416
Application fee
$25
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,834
$15,005
$30k - $48k
$13,845
$15,840
$48k - $75k
$17,029
$15,579
$75k - $110k
$19,699
$20,624
Over $110k
$24,641
$20,099
Outcomes
Graduation rate
62%
33%
Freshman retention
82%
34%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$38,082
$34,160
Median earnings (10 yr)
$43,222
$42,730
Median debt at graduation
$25,750
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
29%
51%
First-generation students
31%
37%
International students
3%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Dec 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Mar 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 Lee University or Tennessee State University harder to get into?
Tennessee State University is harder to get into. It admits about 70% of applicants, compared with 71% at Lee 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, Lee 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 $18,878 at Lee 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 Lee University and Tennessee State University?
Before aid, Tennessee State University costs about $25,637 a year and Lee University about $35,688. 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, Lee University or Tennessee State University?
Lee University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,834 there, against about $15,005 at Tennessee State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Lee University or Tennessee State University?
Tennessee State University is the larger of the two, with about 4,848 undergraduates against 2,617 at Lee University.
Does Lee University or Tennessee State University have a better graduation rate?
Lee University has the higher graduation rate, at about 62% against 33% at Tennessee State University.
Do graduates of Lee University or Tennessee State University earn more?
Lee University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $43,222 ten years after enrolling, against about $42,730 for Tennessee State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Lee University and Tennessee State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Lee University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Tennessee State University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Lee University and Tennessee State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1040–1230 at Lee University and 880–1050 at Tennessee State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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