At $26,135/yr net price, Fisk University graduates earn $45,454/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,454/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $26,135 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $104,540 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,454/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,454/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 9.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 43.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $21,410/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $24,865/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $27,075/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $35,437/yr |
| $110,001+ | $30,281/yr |
The Risk Factor
43.5% of students at Fisk University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Fisk University delivers weak financial returns that put graduates at a significant disadvantage. With median earnings of just $45,454 ten years after graduation and a net price of $26,135 annually, you face a troubling payback timeline that stretches well beyond what most families can comfortably manage.
The 43.5% graduation rate creates the biggest financial risk at Fisk. Nearly six in ten students leave without completing their degree, yet still carry educational debt. Your odds of finishing are worse than a coin flip, making this a high-stakes gamble with your financial future.
Fisk's location in Nashville provides access to healthcare, music industry, and government jobs, but the school's low earnings outcomes suggest its programs fail to connect students with these higher-paying opportunities. The university's historically Black college status may provide valuable networking and cultural benefits, but these advantages do not translate into strong financial returns based on the data.
This school makes financial sense only if you receive substantial merit aid that dramatically reduces your out-of-pocket costs. With less than half of students receiving aid, many pay full price for outcomes that lag significantly behind national averages. You should seriously consider Tennessee state universities or community college transfer pathways that offer better value.
If you are committed to attending Fisk for personal or cultural reasons, minimize borrowing and choose programs with clear career pathways. The low retention rate suggests many students realize too late that the financial equation does not work in their favor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fisk University worth the cost compared to other colleges?
Fisk University graduates earn a median of $45,454 ten years after enrollment, which is below the national average for college graduates. With a net price of $26,135 per year and typical debt of $27,000, the return on investment is relatively weak compared to many other four-year institutions.
What is the graduation rate at Fisk University and why does it matter?
Fisk University has a 43.5% graduation rate, meaning more than half of students who start don't finish their degree. This significantly increases the risk of taking on debt without getting the credential needed to boost earnings.
How much debt do Fisk University students typically graduate with?
The median debt for Fisk University graduates is $27,000. Given that graduates earn around $45,454 after ten years, this debt level represents a manageable but not ideal debt-to-income ratio for most career paths.
Which programs at Fisk University offer the best return on investment?
Fisk University is historically known for strong programs in music, business, and healthcare-related fields. Students considering Fisk should research specific program outcomes and career placement rates, as earnings can vary significantly by major.