About Tusculum University
Tusculum University traces its Presbyterian roots back to 1794, making it one of America's oldest colleges. This small university enrolls just 903 students in the foothills of East Tennessee. The Pioneers are known for their tight-knit campus community where students and faculty develop close relationships. With 22 varsity sports and 651 total athletes, nearly three-quarters of the student body competes at the NCAA Division II level. The university emphasizes hands-on learning and personal attention in a rural mountain setting.
Students pay an average net price of $22,874 after financial aid, with 45% receiving Pell Grants. Graduates earn a median of $44,367 ten years after graduation while carrying typical debt of $23,250. The math works out to monthly loan payments of $246 for most borrowers. With a 95% employment rate, Tusculum graduates find work relatively easily. However, the 31% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish their degrees.
The student-faculty ratio of 18:1 means professors know their students by name. About two-thirds of students come from Tennessee, creating a regional feel on campus. The university's retention rate of 58% indicates that while some students thrive in this close community environment, others find the small-town setting or academic demands challenging.
Students pay an average net price of $22,874 after financial aid, with 45% receiving Pell Grants. Graduates earn a median of $44,367 ten years after graduation while carrying typical debt of $23,250. The math works out to monthly loan payments of $246 for most borrowers. With a 95% employment rate, Tusculum graduates find work relatively easily. However, the 31% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish their degrees.
The student-faculty ratio of 18:1 means professors know their students by name. About two-thirds of students come from Tennessee, creating a regional feel on campus. The university's retention rate of 58% indicates that while some students thrive in this close community environment, others find the small-town setting or academic demands challenging.
Academics & Faculty
Tusculum University operates as a small private university with deep Presbyterian roots dating back to 1794. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio provides personal attention in a close-knit academic environment. However, the 32% four-year graduation rate and 58% retention rate suggest many students struggle to complete their programs on time. The university offers traditional liberal arts education alongside professional programs, with particular strength in teacher education and business studies. Students benefit from small class sizes and direct professor access, though academic outcomes indicate the need for stronger support systems. The intimate setting appeals to students who want personalized learning experiences in East Tennessee's historic college town atmosphere.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 60.2%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 32.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 30.5%
- Retention Rate
- 58.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,367
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $68,219 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $45,361 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $40,346 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $39,860 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $39,677 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $37,208 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $35,009 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $28,327 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $25,194 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $23,538 |
Campus Life
Greeneville sits about 70 miles northeast of Knoxville in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. You'll need a winter coat for January lows in the 20s and 30s, but summers reach the 80s with plenty of humidity. With 903 total students and housing for 650, about 72% of students can live on campus if they choose. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name by the second week.
Athletics dominate weekend life with 651 student-athletes competing in 22 varsity sports. The Pioneers compete in NCAA Division II, and games against South Atlantic Conference rivals draw solid crowds from the small student body. When teams travel, students often road-trip together to away games. The Presbyterian heritage shows in the campus's traditional brick architecture, though the religious atmosphere stays relaxed. With 66% of students from Tennessee, many head home on long weekends. Those who stay find outdoor recreation in the nearby mountains or gather for pickup games on the quad. Study groups form naturally in the tight-knit community where everyone recognizes each other.
Athletics dominate weekend life with 651 student-athletes competing in 22 varsity sports. The Pioneers compete in NCAA Division II, and games against South Atlantic Conference rivals draw solid crowds from the small student body. When teams travel, students often road-trip together to away games. The Presbyterian heritage shows in the campus's traditional brick architecture, though the religious atmosphere stays relaxed. With 66% of students from Tennessee, many head home on long weekends. Those who stay find outdoor recreation in the nearby mountains or gather for pickup games on the quad. Study groups form naturally in the tight-knit community where everyone recognizes each other.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 650 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1794
Campus Safety (2023)
7 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 24°–47°F
- July Avg
- 64°–87°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 42.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- -1,546.4"
Student Demographics
Tusculum draws heavily from Tennessee, with 66% of students staying close to home for this small Presbyterian university. The student body reflects the school's mission to serve working-class families, as nearly half receive Pell Grants for low-income students. Men slightly outnumber women at 53%, likely reflecting the strong athletic culture with 651 varsity athletes across 22 sports. The racial mix includes 55% white students and 18% Black students, mirroring East Tennessee's demographics. Students typically choose Tusculum for its tight-knit community feel and affordable Presbyterian education.
- Men
- 52.7%
- Women
- 47.3%
- White
- 54.9%
- Black
- 17.8%
- Hispanic
- 4.4%
- Asian
- 0.3%
- In-State Students
- 66.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 45.2%
Location
Tusculum University sits in Greeneville, Tennessee, about 70 miles northeast of Knoxville in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The campus draws 66% of its students from in-state, reflecting its strong Tennessee roots. Greeneville is a small historic town of around 15,000 people, known as the birthplace of President Andrew Johnson. The setting offers a classic small-town college experience with easy access to outdoor recreation in the nearby Cherokee National Forest. With 903 total students and housing capacity for 650, the campus maintains an intimate atmosphere where most students can live on campus if they choose. Students considering colleges in Tennessee may also compare Tusculum University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Greeneville, Tennessee 37743
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,367
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $47,539
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $34,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 52.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $246/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,250
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Tusculum University?
Tusculum University accepts 81% of applicants, making admission fairly accessible for most students. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 910-1110 on the SAT, with an average of 1010.
How much does Tusculum University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $22,874 annually after aid, less than the $41,350 sticker price. About 45% of students receive Pell Grants, and the typical graduate leaves with $23,250 in debt.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Tusculum University?
Tusculum maintains an 18:1 student-faculty ratio with just 903 total students enrolled. This small size creates intimate classroom settings typical of Presbyterian-affiliated liberal arts institutions.
What are the graduation rates at Tusculum University?
Only 31% of students graduate within six years, well below national averages for four-year institutions. However, graduates earn a median salary of $44,367 ten years after enrollment, with a 95% employment rate.
Where is Tusculum University located?
The campus sits in Greeneville, Tennessee, a small town in the eastern part of the state. About 66% of the 903 students come from Tennessee, creating a predominantly regional student body.
Does Tusculum University have strong athletics programs?
Athletics dominate campus life with 651 student-athletes competing across 22 NCAA Division II sports. The university awards over $4.5 million in athletic scholarships annually, making the Pioneers a major presence in the South Atlantic Conference.
