Tennessee State University vs California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Nashville, TN — San Luis Obispo, CA

Metric
Tennessee State University
Nashville, TN
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
Location Nashville, TN San Luis Obispo, CA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 4,848 21,996
Acceptance Rate 70.1% 31.3%
SAT Average 1,000
In-State Tuition $8,616 $13,596
Out-of-State Tuition $22,416 $34,665
Avg Net Price $15,796 $16,665
Median Debt at Graduation $27,000 $18,500
4-Year Graduation Rate 33.5% 85.7%
Retention Rate 33.5% 95.5%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $34,160 $72,358
Median Earnings (10 yr) $42,730 $90,768
Loan Repayment Rate 498100.0% 437700.0%

Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

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Tennessee State University
Nashville, TN
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California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Tennessee State University and California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo compare?
Tennessee State University (Nashville, TN) has an acceptance rate of 70.1%, in-state tuition of $8,616, and median 10-year earnings of $42,730. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo (San Luis Obispo, CA) has an acceptance rate of 31.3%, in-state tuition of $13,596, and median 10-year earnings of $90,768.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Tennessee State University or California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $90,768 vs $42,730. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Tennessee State University or California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), Tennessee State University is the more affordable option at $15,796 per year versus $16,665.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 85.7% vs 33.5%.

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All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.

Related

Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025