Academic Comparison between Tennessee State and CU

Tennessee State University and Cumberland University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Tennessee State is a four-year, public school located in Nashville, TN and CU is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Lebanon, TN.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Tennessee State is a public and CU is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • CU has more expensive tuition & fees ($27,840) than Tennessee State ($22,416).
  • It is harder to admit to CU than Tennessee State.
  • Tennessee State has more students with 6,310 students while CU has 3,457 students.
  • Tennessee State has a lower number of students per faculty with 13 to 1 while CU's ratio is 19 to 1.
  • Tennessee State has more full-time faculties with 374 faculties while CU has 85 full-time faculties.
Which school is more in your mind and would you like to go to?
Tennessee State CU
Vote to see the other's choices.

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Tennessee State Universityvs.Cumberland University
Nashville, TennesseeLocationLebanon, Tennessee
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Research University (high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (medium programs)
In-State$8,616
Out-Of-State$22,416
2025 Tuition & Fees$27,840
73%% Receiving Financial Aid100%
$13,650Average Amount of Financial Aid$17,894
70.11 %Acceptance Rates67.33 %
12.99 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)40.54 %
960SAT Score-
19ACT Score-
34 %Graduation Rate46 %
2 %Transfer-out Rate14 %
33 %Retention Rate59 %
6,310Student Population3,457
374Number of Faculties85
13 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio19 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services