F

Fisk University

PrivateHBCUCity: Large

About Fisk University

Overview, location, and what makes it stand out

Fisk University is a private university in Nashville, TN. It has a 71% acceptance rate and a 56.1% graduation rate, serving approximately 1,009 students.

Founded

1866

Location

Nashville, Tennessee

Students

1,059

Institution

Private

Known For

HBCUFisk Jubilee SingersNashville

Key Stats

A quick snapshot of what matters most

Acceptance Rate

37.4%

Selective

Graduation Rate

29.9%

Below national average

Tuition

$25,858

Per year

Avg Net Price

$32,020

After financial aid

SAT Average

1200

Out of 1600

Median Earnings

$45,454

10 years after enrollment

Admissions

How competitive is getting in?

Selectivity

Highly CompetitiveOpen Admission
37.4%

Very Selective

37.4 out of 100 applicants get in

How to Apply

Test Policy

Test Optional

Application Fee

Free

Early

N/A

Deadline

Rolling

Fisk University accepts 37.4% of applicants, with admitted students averaging around 1200 on the SAT. If you're near or above that range, you have a strong chance.

SAT Scores

1200/ 1600

850780710640570500
570
Math: 570
570
R&W: 570
25th
790
Math: 790
720
R&W: 720
75th
Math
Reading & Writing

ACT Scores

23/ 36

393429241914
19
25th: 19
25th
23
Avg: 23
Avg
24
75th: 24
75th
25th Percentile
Average
75th Percentile

Academics

How strong is the academic experience?

Student Success

Low GraduationHigh Graduation
29.9%

Below Average

29.9% complete their degree within six years

Retention

73.8%

4-Year Grad

38%

6-Year Grad

45%

Teaching Quality

12:1

Student-Faculty Ratio

Full-Time

52.4%

$/Student

$7.5K

Class Size

Medium

The 38% graduation rate is below average, but 73.8% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.

Tuition & Costs

What will you actually pay?

Tuition & Fees

$25,858

Annual Tuition

Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals

Room & Board

$14,540

Books & Supplies

$2,000

Total Cost of Attendance

$39,450

After Financial Aid

$32,020

Average Net Price

Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships

Net Price (family income <$30K)

$27,647

Receive Grants

51.8%

Take Loans

52.8%

The total cost of attendance runs about $39,450/yr, including $14,540 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $32,020.

Financial Aid

Who gets aid and what happens after

Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Fisk University fund their education.

While in School

51.8%

Get Grants

Free money

52.8%

Take Loans

Must repay

$30,520

Median Family Income

After Graduation

$27,000

Median Debt at Graduation

Total federal loan balance when students graduate

$286/mo

Monthly Payment

0%

Low

Default Rate

The $27,000 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $45K within ten years. The numbers suggest the investment pays off for most students.

Student Body

Diversity, gender, and enrollment

From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Fisk University.

Gender

63.1%

Female

/

37%

Male

Female to Male Ratio

Race & Ethnicity

79.2%
6.9%
1.3%
0.8%
0.1%
Black
Asian
Multiracial
Hispanic
White

Enrollment

1,035

Undergraduate Students

Student Profile

24

Graduates

26.6%

First-Gen

19 yrs

Avg Age

3.5%

Age 25+

Women make up the majority at 63% of the student body. 26.6% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.

Campus Life

What it's like to be a student here

Campus Setting

RuralCity
City: Large

City: Large

Campus Quick Facts

1,035

Students

private

Institution

Small

Campus Size

Liberal Arts

Classification

HBCU

What This College Offers

Semester calendar

Study Abroad

Yes

AP Credit

No

Teacher Cert

Yes

ROTC

Yes

Evening College

No

Online Programs

Yes

Job Placement

Yes

Career Counseling

Yes

Sports & Athletics

How seriously this college takes sport

Fisk University fields 6 varsity teams with 85 student athletes, about 8% of the student body.

Division

NAIA

Division I

Conference

Gulf Coast

The league its teams compete in

Varsity Sports

6

Biggest: Basketball

Student Athletes

85

8% of the student body

Athletes by Gender

33% / 67%

28

Men

/

57

Women

4

Men's Teams

6

Women's Teams

Biggest Teams

MenWomen
31
Basketball
15
Gymnastics
15
Volleyball
10
Golf
10
Cross Country

Every Varsity Team

Basketball31Gymnastics15Volleyball15Golf10Cross Country10Track and Field (Outdoor)4

After Graduation

What can you earn with this degree?

How much do graduates of Fisk Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.

Earnings Trajectory

$45,454

Median Earnings · 10 Years After

$34K
6yr
$35K
8yr
$45K
10yr

Popular Programs

Top 6

Biology, General

$51K

33 grads

4yr Earnings

Business/Commerce, General

25 grads

Psychology, General

$57K

23 grads

4yr Earnings

Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology

10 grads

Political Science and Government

10 grads

Computer and Information Sciences, General

7 grads

Graduates earn about $34K six years out, growing to $45K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Fisk University

What is the acceptance rate at Fisk University?
Fisk University has an acceptance rate of 37.4%. Fisk University accepts 37.4% of applicants, with admitted students averaging around 1200 on the SAT. If you're near or above that range, you have a strong chance.
How much does Fisk University cost?
Tuition at Fisk University is $25,858 for in-state students and $25,858 for out-of-state students. The total cost of attendance runs about $39,450/yr, including $14,540 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $32,020.
What is the graduation rate at Fisk University?
Fisk University has a graduation rate of 29.9%. The 38% graduation rate is below average, but 73.8% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
How much do Fisk University graduates earn?
The median earnings for Fisk University graduates is $45,454 ten years after enrollment. Graduates earn about $34K six years out, growing to $45K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.

Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.