Arizona State University vs Tennessee State University

Ready to start your journey?

CollegeRanker is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
CollegeRanker is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

ASU vs TSU Introduction

Choosing the right college for your education can be a challenging task. In this comparison, we will evaluate two well-known schools, Arizona State University (ASU) and Tennessee State University (TSU). We will provide an overview of each institution, discuss their costs and tuition, admissions process, degrees offered, academics, diversity, student life, campus, alumni, rankings, and outcomes. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision when selecting the best school for your needs and aspirations.

ASU Overview

Arizona State University (ASU) is a public research university with its main campus located in Tempe, Arizona. It was founded in 1885 and is regarded as one of the largest public universities in the United States. ASU offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs through its 17 colleges and schools, focusing on innovation, entrepreneurship, and interdisciplinary research.

ASU Costs & Tuition

For the 2021-2022 academic year, undergraduate tuition for Arizona residents at ASU is approximately $11,338, while out-of-state students pay around $29,428. Additionally, the estimated cost of attendance, including room and board, books, and personal expenses, is around $28,800 for in-state students and $47,000 for out-of-state students.

ASU Admissions

Arizona State University has a relatively high acceptance rate, with 86.5% of applicants being admitted in 2020. The average high school GPA of admitted students was 3.54, and the middle 50% of students scored between 1120 and 1360 on the SAT and between 22 and 29 on the ACT.

ASU Degrees Offered

ASU offers over 350 undergraduate and 450 graduate degree programs, spanning a wide range of disciplines, from engineering to liberal arts. Some of their top programs include business, engineering, nursing, education, and journalism.

ASU Academics

ASU is known for its strong emphasis on innovation and interdisciplinary research. The university has a 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized instruction and opportunities for students to engage with professors and researchers.

ASU Diversity

Arizona State University is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive campus environment. The university’s student body consists of 41% ethnic minorities, with a significant proportion of students identifying as Hispanic/Latino, Asian, and African American.

ASU Students

ASU has a total enrollment of over 75,000 students, with approximately 58,000 undergraduate and 17,000 graduate students. The university offers numerous clubs, organizations, and recreational activities, fostering a vibrant campus life and a strong sense of community.

ASU Campus

The ASU campus covers over 660 acres in Tempe, with modern facilities, state-of-the-art research centers, and a wide range of amenities, including libraries, dining options, and sports facilities. The university also has additional campuses in downtown Phoenix, Polytechnic, and West.

ASU Alumni

ASU has a strong alumni network, with notable graduates including Phil Mickelson, Pat Tillman, and Al Michaels. The university provides various resources and support for its alumni, such as career guidance, networking events, and lifelong learning opportunities.

ASU Rankings

Arizona State University consistently ranks highly for its innovation and academic programs. According to the U.S. News & World Report, ASU ranks #103 in National Universities, #46 in Top Public Schools, and #1 in Most Innovative Schools.

ASU Outcomes

ASU has a six-year graduation rate of around 69%, and 81% of recent graduates were employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for ASU graduates is approximately $50,000.

TSU Overview

Tennessee State University (TSU) is a public historically black university located in Nashville, Tennessee. Established in 1912, TSU offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs through its nine colleges and schools, emphasizing research, public service, and community engagement.

TSU Costs & Tuition

For the 2021-2022 academic year, undergraduate tuition for Tennessee residents at TSU is approximately $7,744, while out-of-state students pay around $21,132. The estimated cost of attendance, including room and board, books, and personal expenses, is around $21,000 for in-state students and $34,000 for out-of-state students.

TSU Admissions

Tennessee State University has a moderately selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 59% in 2020. The average high school GPA of admitted students was 2.8, and the middle 50% of students scored between 860 and 1080 on the SAT and between 17 and 23 on the ACT.

TSU Degrees Offered

TSU offers over 77 undergraduate and 45 graduate degree programs, including popular majors in business administration, nursing, interdisciplinary studies, and criminal justice.

TSU Academics

TSU is committed to providing quality education and fostering academic excellence. The university has a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, which allows for personalized instruction and meaningful interactions between students and faculty.

TSU Diversity

As a historically black university, TSU is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusivity. The university’s student body is predominantly African American, with a growing number of students from various ethnic backgrounds.

TSU Students

TSU has a total enrollment of over 7,500 students, with approximately 5,500 undergraduate and 2,000 graduate students. The university offers a wide variety of extracurricular activities, including clubs, organizations, and sports teams, fostering a lively campus life and close-knit community.

[TSU] Campus

TSU’s main campus spans 500 acres in Nashville, featuring a mix of historic and modern facilities, research centers, and recreational spaces. The university also operates an additional campus in downtown Nashville.

TSU Alumni

TSU has a strong alumni network, with notable graduates such as Oprah Winfrey, Wilma Rudolph, and Moses Gunn. The university offers various resources and support for its alumni, including networking events, career guidance, and professional development opportunities.

TSU Rankings

Tennessee State University is recognized for its commitment to providing high-quality education and research opportunities. According to the U.S. News & World Report, TSU ranks #96 in Regional Universities South and #33 in Top Public Schools.

TSU Outcomes

TSU has a six-year graduation rate of around 35%, and approximately 75% of recent graduates were employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for TSU graduates is around $42,000.

ASU vs TSU Cost Comparison

The cost of tuition for in-state students at ASU is significantly higher than at TSU, at $11,338 compared to $7,744. For out-of-state students, ASU’s tuition is also higher, at $29,428 compared to TSU’s $21,132. However, when considering the total cost of attendance, including room and board, books, and personal expenses, the difference in cost for in-state students narrows to about $7,800, and for out-of-state students, the difference is about $13,000. Overall, TSU is a more affordable option, particularly for in-state students.

ASU vs TSU Admissions Difficulty

ASU has a higher acceptance rate than TSU, at 86.5% compared to 59%. However, the average high school GPA of admitted students at ASU is higher, at 3.54 compared to TSU’s 2.8. The middle 50% of SAT scores for ASU students are also higher, ranging from 1120 to 1360, compared to TSU’s 860 to 1080. Similarly, the middle 50% of ACT scores for ASU students range from 22 to 29, while for TSU students this range is 17 to 23. Overall, while ASU has a higher acceptance rate, the academic profile of admitted students suggests a higher level of academic difficulty.

ASU vs TSU Academic Difficulty

While both ASU and TSU are committed to providing quality education, ASU offers a wider range of degree programs and is known for its focus on innovation and interdisciplinary research. Additionally, ASU has a slightly higher student-to-faculty ratio (19:1) compared to TSU (12:1), which may impact the level of personalized instruction and faculty interaction. However, both universities provide opportunities for students to engage in research and collaborate with faculty members.

ASU vs TSU Outcome Comparison

Both ASU and TSU have positive outcomes for their graduates. However, ASU has a higher six-year graduation rate (69%) compared to TSU (35%). Additionally, a higher percentage of ASU graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation (81%) compared to TSU graduates (75%). The average starting salary for ASU graduates is also higher, at approximately $50,000, compared to TSU graduates, who earn around $42,000.

In conclusion, while both Arizona State University and Tennessee State University have their unique strengths and offerings, students who prioritize cost may find TSU to be a more affordable option, particularly for in-state students. However, those looking for a broader range of academic programs, a higher level of academic difficulty, and better overall outcomes may find ASU more fitting for their needs.