Private Nonprofit Institution Nashville, TN
Fisk University
Four-year college
Fisk University is a private nonprofit smaller four-year college in Nashville, TN, focused on bachelor’s-level study, an HBCU with an urban campus setting, with about 1,035 undergraduates, an acceptance rate of about 37.4%, typical net price of $32,020 after grants, first-year retention of 73.8%, about 29.9% of students graduating within six years, and median earnings of $33,604 six years after enrollment.
Grade for Fisk University
Letter grades from Best Universities methodology. Overall grade blends the categories below for schools in that ranking cohort.
Overall grade
F
Best Universities compares this school with national benchmarks for similar institutions.
$32,020Average net price
29.9%Graduation rate
$33,604Median earnings, 6 years after entry
51.8%Pell Grant recipient share
Key facts for Fisk University
Key rankings for Fisk University
Where Fisk University ranks among four-year colleges nationwide on selected cost and outcome measures. Rank 1 is best on that measure (lowest cost or debt; highest earnings, retention, or graduation). These are single-measure standings, not Best Universities list placement.
#1,594 of 1,811
Net Price
#1,564 of 1,816
Earnings
#1,057 of 1,808
Retention
#1,628 of 1,850
Graduation
#1,471 of 1,767
Debt
What stands out at Fisk University
Fisk University in Nashville, TN is a four-year college where bachelor’s-level study is the main focus.
- Large city
- HBCU
- 1,035 undergraduates
Key figures
What stands out
Average net price after aid sits above the national median for similar schools while six-year earnings fall short of it. That combination deserves a closer look at aid packages and likely majors.
Both first-year retention and graduation sit below national benchmarks for similar schools. Counselors often explore that pattern with the college’s advising, financial aid, and completion programs.
Admission is tighter than the national middle for similar schools while Pell Grant use is elevated—often seen where competitive entry coexists with substantial need among enrolled students.
Best Universities methodology explains how grades and ranked-list placements are calculated.
Student measures: Cost, completion, earnings, retention, and debt.
Institution context: Enrollment, demographics, faculty, setting, and admissions.
At a glance
Cost, outcomes & access at Fisk University
Two related measures side by side for a quick scan.
Net Price and Earnings
Retention and Graduation
Acceptance and Pell Grant Share
Annual figures on one dollar scale, so bar lengths are comparable within this chart. Total cost of attendance covers tuition, fees, and living costs. Listed tuition is the price before aid; average net price is what students paid after grants and scholarships.
In-state tuition is above the national median of $19,284 for similar four-year colleges, while out-of-state tuition is below the national median of $26,816.
How Fisk University compares
Figures are for four-year colleges. State, region, and national columns use the middle value (median) for similar schools; retention uses averages for region and nation. Region shown: Southeast (region 5).
Swipe sideways to compare state, region, and national figures.
| Measure | This school | State (TN) | Region | Nation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net price | $32,020Above national median | $18,878 | $18,796 | $19,923 |
| Earnings, 6 years | $33,604Below national median | $42,209 | $39,566 | $45,225 |
| Retention | 73.8%Below national median | 74.9% | 71.9% | 74.9% |
| Graduation | 29.9%Below national median | 52.5% | 48.8% | 54.4% |
| Acceptance rate | 37.4%Below national median | 70.1% | 74.3% | 77.0% |
| Pell share | 51.8%Above national median | 32.5% | 37.9% | 33.9% |
| Median debt | $27,000Above national median | $21,500 | $24,053 | $23,250 |
| 3-year cohort default rate | 0.0%About the same | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
Recent 3-year cohort default rates are near zero because of the federal student loan payment pause and are not useful for school-to-school comparison.
Campus & institution details for Fisk University
- HBCU
Campus overview
Undergraduate demographics
Share of undergraduates in each group. Gender and race or ethnicity are reported separately, so each set totals about 100%.
Confirm program details and current staffing on the college website.
Frequently asked questions about Fisk University
Common questions about Fisk University, answered with Best Universities cost and outcome figures. For how we rank schools, use the methodology link in the header; for deadlines and aid, rely on the college’s official site.
Where is Fisk University located?
Fisk University is located in Nashville, TN. If the college has more than one campus, confirm addresses and program locations on the school's official site or with the admissions office.
What kind of school is Fisk University?
Fisk University is a private nonprofit four-year college. Best Universities compares it with similar four-year institutions for ranking and benchmark purposes.
How much does it cost to attend Fisk University (tuition and net price)?
Listed sticker tuition is $25,858 for in-state students and $25,858 for out-of-state students. Average net price (typical annual cost after grant and scholarship aid for full-time, first-time undergraduates) is about $32,020. Your actual net price depends on income, residency, and aid.
What is Fisk University's acceptance rate?
The overall undergraduate acceptance rate is about 37.4% for the year shown. Selectivity can vary by program or campus; check admissions for the path you care about.
How large is Fisk University's undergraduate student body?
Undergraduate enrollment is about 1,035. Enrollment changes over time and may span multiple campuses depending on how the school reports.
What are completion and earnings outcomes for Fisk University?
Median earnings six years after entry at Fisk University are roughly $33,604. Outcomes vary widely by major, occupation, and region. About 29.9% of students graduate on time or soon after. Individual trajectories differ from these population-level measures.
How does Best Universities rank Fisk University?
Among similar schools nationwide, Fisk University stands as follows on selected measures: Average net price (#1,594 of 1,811); Median earnings, 6 years after entry (#1,564 of 1,816); First-year retention (#1,057 of 1,808); Graduation rate (#1,628 of 1,850); Median loan debt (#1,471 of 1,767). Those are single-measure ranks, not a single overall list place. See the methodology page for how Best Universities builds ranked lists.
Where should I go for admissions and official information about Fisk University?
For application deadlines, requirements, campus visits, and program lists, use Fisk University’s official website. Best Universities publishes cost and outcome figures for comparison; it does not replace the institution’s admissions or financial aid office.
All figures for Fisk University Expand to view
A fuller table of the figures Best Universities uses for this school. Useful if you are double-checking a number.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Institution | Fisk University |
| Official website | www.fisk.edu/ |
| City, state | Nashville, TN |
| School type | Four-year college |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 1,035 |
| Listed tuition (in-state) | $25,858 |
| Listed tuition (out-of-state) | $25,858 |
| Listed tuition (generic) | $25,858 |
| Total cost of attendance | $39,450 |
| Room and board (on campus) | $14,540 |
| Average net price | $32,020 |
| Median earnings, 6 years after entry | $33,604 |
| Median earnings, 8 years after entry | $32,162 |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $45,454 |
| Median loan debt | $27,000 |
| 3-year cohort default rate | 0.0% |
| First-year retention | 73.8% |
| Graduation rate (4-year programs) | 29.9% |
| Graduation rate (shorter programs) | Not reported |
| Acceptance rate | 37.4% |
| SAT average | 1,200 |
| ACT average | 23 |
| Pell Grant share | 51.8% |
| Share with federal loans | 52.8% |
| Part-time enrollment share | 2.4% |
| Campus setting | Large city |
| Student–faculty ratio | 12 |
| Avg monthly faculty salary | $6,116 |
| Full-time faculty share | 52.4% |
| Online only | No |
| HBCU | Yes |
| SAT midpoint, Math | 615 |
| SAT midpoint, Reading & Writing | 595 |
| Share of undergraduates, women | 63.1% |
| Share of undergraduates, men | 36.9% |
| Share of undergraduates, Black | 79.2% |
| Share of undergraduates, Hispanic | 0.8% |
| Share of undergraduates, White | 0.1% |
| Share of undergraduates, Asian | 6.9% |
| Share of undergraduates, two or more races | 1.3% |
| Share of undergraduates, international | 0.0% |
| Net price, family income $0–30k | Not reported |
| Net price, family income $30–48k | Not reported |
| Net price, family income $48–75k | Not reported |
| Net price, family income $75–110k | Not reported |
| Net price, family income $110k+ | Not reported |
Sources for Fisk University
- About the federal data. U.S. Department of Education figures used for institutional characteristics, cost, admissions, enrollment, student outcomes, debt, and earnings on this page.
- Best Universities methodology. How grades and rankings are calculated.
Figures from the same school data Best Universities uses for rankings. Shortlist with them, then verify on the college’s official site.