Fisk University: 71.0% Acceptance Rate

71.0%Acceptance

$24,298Tuition

950Students

44%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$45,454Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalLiberal ArtsNAIAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24HBCU

About Fisk University

Fisk University carries the legacy of the Fisk Jubilee Singers, whose tours in the 1870s saved the school from financial collapse and introduced the world to African American spirituals. This historic HBCU has produced civil rights giants like John Lewis and W.E.B. Du Bois, while maintaining its reputation for strong liberal arts programs. The university enrolls 950 students in Nashville, creating an intimate learning environment where relationships with faculty matter.

The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $26,135 after aid, but graduates earn a median of $45,454 ten years after starting school. Those who borrow graduate with a median debt of $27,000, leading to monthly loan payments of $286. The 4-year graduation rate sits at 49.10%, meaning many students take longer to complete their degrees and accumulate additional costs.

Women make up 67.37% of the student body, and 83.37% of students are Black, reflecting Fisk's role as a leading HBCU. The student-faculty ratio of 11:1 allows for personal attention in classes. The Bulldogs compete in 11 NAIA sports with 120 total athletes, though athletics take a backseat to academics and the university's rich cultural traditions.

Academics & Faculty

Fisk University is one of America's most strong historically black liberal arts colleges, producing leaders in academia, civil rights, and the arts for over 150 years. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know students personally. However, the 49% four-year graduation rate reflects real challenges many students face balancing rigorous coursework with financial pressures. Fisk's liberal arts foundation emphasizes critical thinking across disciplines, from sociology to music. The university gained international fame through its Fisk Jubilee Singers, who introduced African American spirituals to the world stage. Notable graduates include W.E.B. Du Bois and civil rights leader John Lewis, showcasing Fisk's tradition of developing transformative leaders.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Full-Time Faculty: 58.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 49.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 43.5%
Retention Rate: 72.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $45,454
Carnegie Classification: Liberal Arts College

Campus Life

The 950 students at this historic HBCU live in the heart of Music City, just minutes from downtown Nashville's honky-tonk bars and recording studios. About 94% of students can live on campus in residence halls that house 894 students total. You'll need both a winter coat for January lows in the 30s and shorts for humid summers that hit the 80s.

Women make up 67% of the student body, creating a supportive sisterhood atmosphere that defines campus culture. The legendary Fisk Jubilee Singers still perform regularly, continuing a tradition that helped fund the university's founding in 1866. Students frequently walk to nearby Vanderbilt or catch live music on Broadway downtown. The 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio means professors know your name and story. Weekend social life revolves around Greek organizations, campus events, and Nashville's endless entertainment options. With 83% of students being Black, there's a strong sense of shared identity and purpose. The intimate campus size means you'll recognize most faces within your first semester.

Setting: City-Large
Housing Capacity: 894 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1866

Campus Safety (2023)

6 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Burglary	2	1
Rape	1	1
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 27°–48°F
July Avg: 67°–89°F
Annual Precipitation: 53.2"
Annual Snowfall: 4.7"

Student Demographics

Fisk draws students from across the country, with 75% coming from outside Tennessee. The student body is 83% Black, reflecting the university's proud HBCU identity and mission to educate African American leaders. Women make up two-thirds of enrollment, drawn to Fisk's strong liberal arts tradition and supportive community atmosphere. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, showing Fisk's commitment to making quality education accessible regardless of economic background. This diverse mix of students from different states and income levels creates a tight-knit community united by shared values and academic ambition.

Men: 32.6%
Women: 67.4%
White: 0.0%
Black: 83.4%
Hispanic: 0.6%
Asian: 1.2%
In-State Students: 24.7%
Pell Grant Recipients: 48.3%

Location

Fisk University sits in Nashville, Tennessee, the state's capital and second-largest city with over 700,000 residents. Nashville serves as the heart of country music and healthcare industries in the Southeast. The campus occupies a historic district just two miles north of downtown Nashville's bustling entertainment and business centers. Students can walk to music venues, internship opportunities, and cultural attractions within the city's active urban landscape. The university benefits from Nashville's thriving job market, which includes major healthcare systems, music companies, and Fortune 500 corporations. Students considering colleges in Tennessee may also compare Fisk University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Nashville, Tennessee 37208-4501

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $45,454
Median Earnings (5 years): $50,878
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $26,000
Loan Repayment Rate: 39.9%
Monthly Loan Payment: $286/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $27,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Fisk University?

Fisk University accepts 70.97% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1270. This historic HBCU founded in 1866 maintains a selective but accessible admissions process for students seeking a liberal arts education.

How much does Fisk University cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Fisk University is $26,135, with 48.27% of students receiving Pell Grants. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of $21,410 annually after aid.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Fisk University?

Fisk University maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio with just 950 total students. This intimate setting supports the university's reputation for strong liberal arts programs and personalized attention in Nashville.

What are the graduation rates at Fisk University?

Fisk University has a 43.50% six-year graduation rate and 49.10% four-year graduation rate. Graduates earn a median salary of $45,454 ten years after graduation, reflecting the value of an HBCU liberal arts education.

Where do most Fisk University students come from?

Only 24.70% of Fisk University students are from Tennessee, drawing a national student body to Nashville. The university serves 83.37% Black students and 67.37% women, maintaining its mission as a historically Black institution.

What is Fisk University most famous for?

Fisk University is well-known for the world-famous Fisk Jubilee Singers who introduced spirituals to international audiences. The university has educated civil rights icons like W.E.B. Du Bois and John Lewis, cementing its legacy in American history.