Fisk University logo

Fisk University

Accept Rate
57.91%
Grad Rate
49.1%
Enrollment
950
Avg SAT
1236
Tuition
$24,298
Median Salary
$45,454
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
C
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Fisk University offers a close-knit, historically rich HBCU experience where every student is seen and supported. The campus feels like a family, with a strong emphasis on community, tradition, and academic excellence. You'll find a palpable sense of pride and purpose in the heart of Nashville.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

57.91%
Moderately Selective

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 123675th Pctl
11601480
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2375th Pctl
2025
1122436

Admissions Tips

Highlight your commitment to community service and leadership in your application, as Fisk values students who contribute to its collaborative culture. With a 57.91% acceptance rate, aim for the SAT average of 1236 or above to be a strong candidate. Be sure to articulate your interest in Fisk's unique legacy as a premier liberal arts HBCU in your essay.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1236
40080012001600
School range: 1160โ€“1480

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

Fisk is known for its rigorous liberal arts foundation, with top programs in Biology, Psychology, and the humanities. The small class sizes ensure personalized attention from dedicated faculty who are invested in student success. Research opportunities are accessible even for underclassmen, particularly through partnerships with Vanderbilt University and local institutions.

Popular Majors

Biology & Biomedical
33.3%
Business & Marketing
19.4%
Psychology
17.8%
Social Sciences
7.8%
Computer Science
5.4%
English & Literature
3.1%
Physical Sciences
3.1%
Visual & Performing Arts
2.3%
Education
2.3%
Mathematics & Statistics
1.6%
History
1.6%
Criminal Justice
1.6%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

49.1%
Graduation Rate
72.8%
Retention Rate
950
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$24,298
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$26,135
After financial aid
Total Cost
$37,653
Cost of attendance/year
48.3%
Receive Pell Grants
52.9%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Nashville-Davidson

Nashville is a vibrant cultural hub, offering students access to live music, diverse restaurants, and major sporting events. Students enjoy exploring neighborhoods like Midtown and The Gulch, as well as the city's many festivals and art scenes. The city's internship opportunities in healthcare and business also enrich the student experience.

Local Rent Check

$1,442 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Nashville-Davidson
Explore Nashville-Davidson

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$97,192
$0Est. 4 Years: $97,192

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($45,454):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

Fisk has its own campus police force and maintains a safe, enclosed campus environment. The surrounding Nashville area requires standard urban awareness, but the campus itself is generally considered secure.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Strong, supportive HBCU community with a family-like atmosphere.
  • โœ“ Access to Nashville's booming job market and cultural scene.
  • โœ“ Generous merit scholarships and financial aid packages available.
  • โœ“ Small class sizes and dedicated faculty mentorship.

Cons

  • โœ— The 49.1% graduation rate is lower than the national average.
  • โœ— Campus size is small, which may feel limiting for some students.
  • โœ— Requires active engagement to leverage city resources outside campus.

Notable Alumni

W.E.B. Du Bois
Civil rights activist and co-founder of the NAACP, graduated as valedictorian in 1888.
Ida B. Wells
Pioneering journalist, suffragist, and civil rights leader who attended Fisk.
John Lewis
Iconic civil rights leader and U.S. Congressman, studied at Fisk before transferring to Howard University.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fisk University is renowned as a top-ranked HBCU with a historic legacy in civil rights and social justice. It is particularly known for its strong programs in the natural sciences, humanities, and its prestigious Jubilee Singers. The university also boasts a unique partnership with Vanderbilt University for joint engineering degrees.

No, Fisk has an acceptance rate of 57.91%, making it moderately selective. The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1236. Applicants should focus on presenting a strong overall profile, including GPA, extracurriculars, and a compelling personal statement.

Campus life at Fisk is deeply communal and spirited, with a strong emphasis on tradition and student involvement. Students enjoy a range of organizations, Greek life, and events centered around the university's rich cultural heritage. The small campus fosters close relationships among peers and professors.

For many students, yes. The combination of a private liberal arts education, a supportive environment, and access to Nashville's economy provides solid value. While the 10-year median earnings of $45,454 are modest, the lower net price and ample financial aid can make it a financially sound choice.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

HCA Healthcare Amazon Nissan North America Vanderbilt University Medical Center State of Tennessee
Smart Start Score
50

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 1,045
  • In-State Tuition $24,298
  • Zip Code 37208

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 32.6% โ™€ 67.4%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $26,135, Fisk is priced competitively for a private university, especially considering its academic reputation. The 48.3% Pell Grant rate indicates significant financial aid availability for students with need. The 10-year median earnings of $45,454 suggest a solid return on investment for a liberal arts degree.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

See how this school stacks up

Compare with Spring Hill College

๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $24,298
Housing (12 mo) $17,304
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $48,802
With avg financial aid:
$26,135/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.