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Fisk University : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

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About Fisk University

Known for the storied Fisk Jubilee Singers who carry spirituals to stages far beyond campus, Fisk University has a reputation for blending a strong liberal-arts core with research-minded science, business, and the creative and performing arts. Students often find close-knit classes, thoughtful faculty mentorship, and access to labs, studios, performance spaces, a well-used library and gallery, plus advising, tutoring, and wellness support that feels personal.

Campus life leans energetic and purposeful: student organizations, service projects, open mics, exhibitions, and intramurals keep weeks full. The culture is collaborative, proudly rooted in HBCU history, with a tradition of scholarship and civic engagement. Career prep stays practical, with internship possibilities and professional connections across Nashville's music, health care, nonprofit, and public spheres. And the city becomes an extension of the classroom. Notable alumni include W. E. B. Du Bois, Nikki Giovanni, and John Lewis.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location: 1000 17th Ave North, Nashville, Tennessee, 37208, USA
Website: fisk.edu
Unit ID: 220181

Academic & Institutional

Control: Private non-profit institution (tuition + donations)
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Length of Study: Programs under 2 years (e.g. certificate or diploma)
Calendar System: Semester system (two main terms per year)
Award Levels: Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Baccalaureate - Arts & Sciences
Campus Setting: Located in a large city (population of 250,000 or more)
Tuition: In-state: $24,298 (Tuition $22,320 + Fee $1,978) · Out-of-state: $24,298 (Tuition $22,320 + Fee $1,978)
Student Profile:
Total Students: 1,005
Undergraduate: 950
Graduate/Other: 55
Male: 320 Female: 685
Applications:
Total Applicants: 7,982
Admitted: 4,622
Enrolled: 320
Acceptance: 57.9% Yield: 6.9%
Staff:
Total: 252 Full-time: 167 Part-time: 85

Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects

Explore degree programs offered at Fisk University with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in Tennessee. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.

How to use this guide:
Click on any academic field that interests you to expand and view available degree programs. Each program shows potential career paths, median salaries in Tennessee vs national averages, and job prospects for graduates. Perfect for answering "What can I do with my degree?" and salary expectations.
Biological Sciences (3)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
26.0101 Biology/Biological Sciences, General. (Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
A general program of biology at the introductory, basic level or a program in biology or the biological sciences that is undifferentiated as to title or content. Includes instruction in general biology and programs covering a variety of biological specializations.

Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Tennessee Avg TN vs US
11-9121 Natural Sciences Managers $173,500 $146,190 -$27,310 (-15.7%)
19-1029 Biological Scientists, All Other $100,440 $75,300 -$25,140 (-25%)
19-1099 Life Scientists, All Other $101,940 N/A N/A
19-4012 Agricultural Technicians $49,680 $55,350 +$5,670 (+11.4%)
19-4013 Food Science Technicians $54,400 $53,960 -$440 (-0.8%)
19-4021 Biological Technicians $58,020 $58,170 +$150 (+0.3%)
19-4092 Forensic Science Technicians $75,260 $84,270 +$9,010 (+12%)
25-1042 Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary $101,340 $86,770 -$14,570 (-14.4%)
25-2031 Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $73,700 $56,580 -$17,120 (-23.2%)
26.0210 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. (Cert2y+)
A program of study that combines the biological sub-disciplines of biochemistry and molecular biology. Includes instruction in general biology, general and organic chemistry, physics, biochemistry, molecular biology, immunology, microbiology, genetics, and cellular biology.

Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Tennessee Avg TN vs US
11-9121 Natural Sciences Managers $173,500 $146,190 -$27,310 (-15.7%)
19-1021 Biochemists and Biophysicists $115,570 $116,020 +$450 (+0.4%)
19-1029 Biological Scientists, All Other $100,440 $75,300 -$25,140 (-25%)
25-1042 Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary $101,340 $86,770 -$14,570 (-14.4%)
Computer & IT (1)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
11.0101 Computer and Information Sciences, General. (Cert2y+)
A general program that focuses on computing, computer science, and information science and systems. Such programs are undifferentiated as to title and content and are not to be confused with specific programs in computer science, information science, or related support services.

Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Tennessee Avg TN vs US
11-3021 Computer and Information Systems Managers $187,990 $127,020 -$60,970 (-32.4%)
15-1211 Computer Systems Analysts $111,960 $80,890 -$31,070 (-27.8%)
15-1221 Computer and Information Research Scientists $152,310 $103,690 -$48,620 (-31.9%)
15-1241 Computer Network Architects $135,890 $108,200 -$27,690 (-20.4%)
15-1242 Database Administrators $107,440 $109,520 +$2,080 (+1.9%)
15-1243 Database Architects $142,620 $135,470 -$7,150 (-5%)
15-1244 Network and Computer Systems Administrators $101,190 $96,510 -$4,680 (-4.6%)
15-1253 Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers $110,260 $74,660 -$35,600 (-32.3%)
15-1255 Web and Digital Interface Designers $111,450 $47,170 -$64,280 (-57.7%)
15-1299 Computer Occupations, All Other $116,700 $64,230 -$52,470 (-45%)
25-1021 Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary $105,830 $106,330 +$500 (+0.5%)
Physical Sciences (4)
Chemistry, Physics and Earth Sciences Research
40.0501 Chemistry, General. (Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
A general program that focuses on the scientific study of the composition and behavior of matter, including its micro- and macro-structure, the processes of chemical change, and the theoretical description and laboratory simulation of these phenomena.

Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Tennessee Avg TN vs US
11-9121 Natural Sciences Managers $173,500 $146,190 -$27,310 (-15.7%)
19-2031 Chemists $95,940 $59,690 -$36,250 (-37.8%)
19-4013 Food Science Technicians $54,400 $53,960 -$440 (-0.8%)
19-4031 Chemical Technicians $61,300 $50,030 -$11,270 (-18.4%)
19-4092 Forensic Science Technicians $75,260 $84,270 +$9,010 (+12%)
25-1052 Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary $103,030 $102,990 -$40 (+-0%)
25-2031 Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $73,700 $56,580 -$17,120 (-23.2%)
40.0801 Physics, General. (Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
A general program that focuses on the scientific study of matter and energy, and the formulation and testing of the laws governing the behavior of the matter-energy continuum. Includes instruction in classical and modern physics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, mechanics, wave properties, nuclear processes, relativity and quantum theory, quantitative methods, and laboratory methods.

Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Tennessee Avg TN vs US
11-9121 Natural Sciences Managers $173,500 $146,190 -$27,310 (-15.7%)
19-2012 Physicists $166,000 $222,180 +$56,180 (+33.8%)
25-1054 Physics Teachers, Postsecondary $105,460 $99,690 -$5,770 (-5.5%)
25-2031 Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $73,700 $56,580 -$17,120 (-23.2%)
Psychology (2)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
42.0101 Psychology, General. (Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
A general program that focuses on the scientific study of individual and collective behavior, the physical and environmental bases of behavior, and the analysis and treatment of behavior problems and disorders. Includes instruction in the principles of the various subfields of psychology, research methods, and psychological assessment and testing methods.

Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Tennessee Avg TN vs US
11-9199 Managers, All Other $149,890 $72,910 -$76,980 (-51.4%)
19-3032 Industrial-Organizational Psychologists $134,400 N/A N/A
19-3033 Clinical and Counseling Psychologists $106,850 $102,540 -$4,310 (-4%)
19-3039 Psychologists, All Other $111,340 $129,030 +$17,690 (+15.9%)
19-4061 Social Science Research Assistants $63,560 $38,660 -$24,900 (-39.2%)
25-1066 Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary $93,530 $89,490 -$4,040 (-4.3%)
Social Sciences (2)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
45.1099 Political Science and Government, Other. (Cert2y+)
Any instructional program in political science and government not listed above.

Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Tennessee Avg TN vs US
11-9199 Managers, All Other $149,890 $72,910 -$76,980 (-51.4%)
19-3094 Political Scientists $137,600 N/A N/A
25-1065 Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary $105,160 N/A N/A
25-2031 Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $73,700 $56,580 -$17,120 (-23.2%)
45.1101 Sociology, General. (Cert2y+)
A program that focuses on the systematic study of human social institutions and social relationships. Includes instruction in social theory, sociological research methods, social organization and structure, social stratification and hierarchies, dynamics of social change, family structures, social deviance and control, and applications to the study of specific social groups, social institutions, and social problems.

Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Tennessee Avg TN vs US
11-9199 Managers, All Other $149,890 $72,910 -$76,980 (-51.4%)
19-3041 Sociologists $111,670 N/A N/A
19-4061 Social Science Research Assistants $63,560 $38,660 -$24,900 (-39.2%)
25-1067 Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary $97,270 $87,860 -$9,410 (-9.7%)
Business (2)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
52.0101 Business/Commerce, General. (Cert<2y, Cert2y+)
A program that focuses on the general study of business, including the processes of interchanging goods and services (buying, selling and producing), business organization, and accounting as used in profit-making and nonprofit public and private institutions and agencies. The programs may prepare individuals to apply business principles and techniques in various occupational settings.

Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Tennessee Avg TN vs US
11-1011 Chief Executives $262,930 $150,210 -$112,720 (-42.9%)
11-1021 General and Operations Managers $133,120 $105,080 -$28,040 (-21.1%)
11-2022 Sales Managers $160,930 $115,760 -$45,170 (-28.1%)
11-3012 Administrative Services Managers $126,030 $109,390 -$16,640 (-13.2%)
11-3013 Facilities Managers $114,520 $93,090 -$21,430 (-18.7%)
11-3051 Industrial Production Managers $129,180 $113,110 -$16,070 (-12.4%)
11-3071 Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers $116,010 $86,960 -$29,050 (-25%)
11-9021 Construction Managers $119,660 $111,510 -$8,150 (-6.8%)
11-9072 Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling $87,060 $67,950 -$19,110 (-22%)
11-9151 Social and Community Service Managers $86,100 $85,010 -$1,090 (-1.3%)
11-9179 Personal Service Managers, All Other $70,620 $43,990 -$26,630 (-37.7%)
11-9199 Managers, All Other $149,890 $72,910 -$76,980 (-51.4%)
13-1051 Cost Estimators $83,160 $69,260 -$13,900 (-16.7%)
13-1082 Project Management Specialists $108,100 $90,480 -$17,620 (-16.3%)
13-1111 Management Analysts $114,710 $101,670 -$13,040 (-11.4%)
13-2022 Appraisers of Personal and Business Property N/A N/A N/A
25-1011 Business Teachers, Postsecondary $113,840 $108,000 -$5,840 (-5.1%)
Liberal Arts (1)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
24.0102 General Studies. (Cert2y+)
An undifferentiated program that includes instruction in the general arts, general science, or unstructured studies.

Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Tennessee Avg TN vs US
25-1199 Postsecondary Teachers, All Other $94,470 $73,430 -$21,040 (-22.3%)
Arts (4)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
50.0701 Art/Art Studies, General. (Cert2y+)
A general program that focuses on the introductory study and appreciation of the visual arts. Includes instruction in art, photography, and other visual communications media.

Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Tennessee Avg TN vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $67,740 -$34,500 (-33.7%)
25-2031 Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $73,700 $56,580 -$17,120 (-23.2%)
27-1012 Craft Artists $45,340 $54,620 +$9,280 (+20.5%)
27-1013 Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators $76,450 $48,130 -$28,320 (-37%)
27-4021 Photographers $55,650 $34,350 -$21,300 (-38.3%)
50.0901 Music, General. (Cert2y+)
A general program that focuses on the introductory study and appreciation of music and the performing arts. Includes instruction in music, dance, and other performing arts media.

Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Tennessee Avg TN vs US
25-2031 Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $73,700 $56,580 -$17,120 (-23.2%)
27-2042 Musicians and Singers N/A N/A N/A
50.0903 Music Performance, General. (Cert2y+)
A program that generally prepares individuals to master musical instruments and performing art as solo and/or ensemble performers. Includes instruction on one or more specific instruments from various instrumental groupings.

Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Tennessee Avg TN vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $67,740 -$34,500 (-33.7%)
27-2041 Music Directors and Composers $84,230 N/A N/A
27-2042 Musicians and Singers N/A N/A N/A
50.1101 Community/Environmental/Socially-Engaged Art. (PostBacCert)
A program that focuses on using the arts to promote activism, civic dialog, community development, ecological and environmental awareness, or social justice. Includes instruction in community organizing, cultural criticism, social practice, studio art, and visual and performing arts.

Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Tennessee Avg TN vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $67,740 -$34,500 (-33.7%)
27-1013 Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators $76,450 $48,130 -$28,320 (-37%)
27-1019 Artists and Related Workers, All Other $79,490 $54,250 -$25,240 (-31.8%)
Mathematics (1)
Mathematical Sciences, Statistics and Computational Analysis
27.0101 Mathematics, General. (Cert2y+)
A general program that focuses on the analysis of quantities, magnitudes, forms, and their relationships, using symbolic logic and language. Includes instruction in algebra, calculus, functional analysis, geometry, number theory, logic, topology and other mathematical specializations.

Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Tennessee Avg TN vs US
11-9121 Natural Sciences Managers $173,500 $146,190 -$27,310 (-15.7%)
15-2021 Mathematicians $122,520 N/A N/A
15-2041 Statisticians $112,330 $95,750 -$16,580 (-14.8%)
15-2051 Data Scientists $124,590 $123,580 -$1,010 (-0.8%)
15-2099 Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other $84,700 $63,280 -$21,420 (-25.3%)
25-1022 Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary $92,880 $61,420 -$31,460 (-33.9%)
25-2031 Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $73,700 $56,580 -$17,120 (-23.2%)
English (1)
English Literature, Creative Writing and Literary Analysis
23.0101 English Language and Literature, General. (Cert2y+)
A general program that focuses on the English language, including its history, structure and related communications skills; and the literature and culture of English-speaking peoples.

Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Tennessee Avg TN vs US
25-1123 English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $90,400 $65,750 -$24,650 (-27.3%)
25-2031 Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $73,700 $56,580 -$17,120 (-23.2%)
43-9081 Proofreaders and Copy Markers $52,730 N/A N/A

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$41,496
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$41,496
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$24,298
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$24,298
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$11,698
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$2,000
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$3,500
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$3,500
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$23,579
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$23,579
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

30%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$20,400
Avg. Loan
$7,252
Avg. Federal Loan
$5,867
Additional
Students with Any Grant
288
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
168
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
154
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$18,651
Average amount of institutional grant awarded

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

44%
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
73%
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
$25,449 – $63,020
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$25,449 (25th %) $63,020 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $45,454
Median Salary After 6 Years
$33,604
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$45,454
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
39.9%
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
56.9%
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
$27,000
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Low 38.6%
Middle 48.3%
High 28.6%
Repayment by Dependency
Dependent 40.6%
Independent 34.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about Fisk University

How much does it cost to attend Fisk University?

The annual tuition at Fisk University is $24,298 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $41,496 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $11,698 and books and supplies $2,000.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.

What academic programs and degree levels does Fisk University offer?

Fisk University offers 34 academic programs across 15 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's.

Most popular program areas include:

  • Chemistry, Physics and Earth Sciences Research (4 programs)
  • Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (4 programs)
  • Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (3 programs)
  • Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research (3 programs)
  • Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety (3 programs)

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.

What is the acceptance rate for Fisk University?

Fisk University has an 57.9% acceptance rate and a 6.9% yield rate, making it selective.

Admission statistics breakdown:

  • Total applicants: 7,982
  • Students admitted: 4,622
  • Students enrolled: 320

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.

What financial aid and scholarships are available at Fisk University?

Fisk University provides financial aid to 30% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $20,400 and average loans of $7,252.

Average financial aid amounts by type:

  • Pell grants: $5,284
  • State/Local grants: $6,350
  • Institutional grants: $18,651
  • Federal loans: $5,867

The university supports 288 students with grants and 168 students with loans annually.

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for Fisk University graduates?

Fisk University graduates earn a median salary of $33,604 after 6 years and $45,454 after 10 years.

The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $25,449 (25th percentile) to $63,020 (75th percentile).

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.

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