About Fisk University

Founded in 1866, Fisk University. is a Private college. Located in Tennessee, which is a city setting in Tennessee, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 723 full time undergraduate students, and 38 full time graduate students. The Fisk University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 11:1. There are 54 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Fisk University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate78%
Application Deadline
Application Fee25
SAT Range820-1010
ACT Range17-22
Admissions at are considered Less Selective, with ,8% of all applicants being admitted. In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 3 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling. 81% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 46% were in the top quarter, and 18% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Fisk University.

0%
“We”re apathetic”
9%
“We know about current events and vote”
68%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
23%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
0%
“We save it for the classroom”
14%
“Sometimes, but not often”
41%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
45%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
9%
“I only go out in groups”
55%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
36%
“I feel extremely safe”
45%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
25%
“We bought the gear”
30%
“We live for the big game”
0%
“It”s not really our thing”
19%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
29%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
52%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
5%
“Available in class”
59%
“They keep regular office hours”
36%
“They”re always available”
0%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
23%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
77%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
0%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
41%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
45%
“We only party on weekends”
14%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
18%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
45%
“There might be people who do”
23%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
14%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
0%
“We”re apathetic”
9%
“We know about current events and vote”
68%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
23%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
0%
“We save it for the classroom”
14%
“Sometimes, but not often”
41%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
45%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
9%
“I only go out in groups”
55%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
36%
“I feel extremely safe”
45%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
25%
“We bought the gear”
30%
“We live for the big game”
0%
“It”s not really our thing”
19%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
29%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
52%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
5%
“Available in class”
59%
“They keep regular office hours”
36%
“They”re always available”
0%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
23%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
77%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
0%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
41%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
45%
“We only party on weekends”
14%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
18%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
45%
“There might be people who do”
23%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
14%
“There”s a huge drug scene”

Fisk University REVIEWS

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  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    56 Students rated on-campus housing 3.2 stars. 9 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    34 Students rated off-campus housing 3.2 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    59 Students rated campus food 2.5 stars. 7 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    59 Students rated campus facilities 2.9 stars. 10 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    59 Students rated class size 4.3 stars. 56 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    58 Students rated school activities 3.1 stars. 14 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    59 Students rated local services 3.8 stars. 36 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    59 Students rated academics 4 stars. 36 % gave the school a 5.0.

What's your overall opinion of Fisk University?

21 Students rated Fisk University

Detriunna - 11/22/2021

I am a former Fiskite. I went to Fisk my freshman year of college and the conditions of that University are just terrible. If you are a high school student or college student considering transferring, PLEASE do not go here because you're going to be disappointed and miserable. There is no variety in food on campus. Imagine having taco Tuesday, mystery meat Wednesday, and catfish Friday for an entire year. Sleeping in a dorm with mold in the vents, shower stalls, and in the cracks of the walls (let's not forget about the mushrooms too). Going to the financial aid/ student accounts office for help and constantly having to worry. "Do they know how to do their job" and pray they don't say "I don't know" to you four times because you're asking important questions. Not to mention this school can not handle ANYTHING military-related. Because the one person who used to handle it left and was never replaced. Fisk is only a school of they believe struggle and literal throwing you in a stressful and unnecessary situation will make you resilient. I'm being honest they think that. When you bring up a better school they will downplay them and say they have problems. But in reality, their problems are nowhere near nasty and sad as ours. All it does is waste student time, make us hate the school, and feel trapped because we don't have the money to pay the school off to go somewhere else for an education. Don't go to Fisk University. YOU WILL NOT HAVE STABLE WIFI TO COMPLETE ASSIGNMENTS. (Also, I already spoke to SGA, student accounts, and the ANG recruiter on campus. And went to the town hall meeting and asked my questions to the President, don't bother thinking things will change because they won't.

Rose

As a whole I am proud of my decision to attend this institution. It for sure has its pitfalls, especially for students who come in looking for a "traditional" or "main stream" college experience. Our buildings are historic, and so they lack the luster and upgrades many state colleges have. Our food is not the best, its mass-produced, and its the same thing every week. Our cafeteria closes really early and we are all usually pretty hungry. Fisk isn't for everyone. I wouldn't ever discourage someone from coming here but they really need to get a feel of it for themselves because the experience is different for everyone.

Kirsten

During my time there I had a great experience. If you're looking for sports and parties you may want to try a different school. If you're looking for an upscale hbcu experience with great academics, Fisk is the place.

Lanita

I LOVE IT!

Fisk University FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at Fisk University?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Fisk University is 78%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    Stay true to yourself. Realize that what you have in you that pushes you everyday to do more than what is expected will take you farther in life than you could've ever imagined. Stay focused on what you've always wanted to do because your hard work will get you there. Don't get discouraged because people look at you as unworthy because you weren't able to afford the nicest car because in the end you'll realize you're luckier than they'll ever be because of the love that surrounds you everyday. ALWAYS remember where you come from and NEVER be ashamed of it. Pray and ask God for understanding when friends and other students squander away the many opportunities that are afforded to them everyday. Don't freak out because you were accepted to med school early. Take it as a sign from God that he has big plans for you. Look back to what you have at home when you get sad and remember the love that got you where you are today.

    Read all  76 answers
  3. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    Fisk is a very traditional institute that cultivates many schlors.

    Read all  17 answers
  4. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    Students here have clearly been sheltered most of their lives and spoiled to the point where they wouldn't be able to handle life if any real problems ever came their way. Don't feel discouraged because you weren't able to afford nice things growing up and you aren't rich in college either. I feel as if I have the advantage over the wealthier kids because I know how to survive and I am above all else grateful for everything I've ben given in life and I've learned the true meaning of appreciation.

    Read all  15 answers
  5. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    What the dorms looked like?

    Read all  14 answers
  6. Describe the students at your school.

    My classmates at Fisk University are serious about their education. Fisk is a private school and tuition is quite expensive. All the students recognize the expense of this university and want to get the most for their money. Although the students take their studies seriouslt, this does not stop them from knowing how to have a good time. I believe that Fisk University students have mastered the balance between the fun of social activities and the importance of academic success. I truly love being apart of the Fisk Family and hope we become even closer as we progress towards graduation.

    Read all  12 answers
  7. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    Fisk University is unique because each and every one of us is able to be cultivated as leader and is personally attended to. We are such a small school that we are able to form personal relationshipis with our faculty and staff, which leads to opportunities that might not have been available otherwise. We focus on the advancement of each student while focusing on diversity, excellence, teamwork, accountability, integrity, leadership, and service.

    Read all  12 answers
  8. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    My school is typically know for saying "FIsk is not for everybody". This is absolutely correct. A person that came to school to participate in the large social activities or become a college party student and is not focused on academics would not typically be pleased with FIsk University.

    Read all  12 answers
  9. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    I take great pride in being a Fiskite, yet there are aspects about my school that can be frustrating. At the age of 148 years old, Fisk has managed to sustain some of its tradional values, however as time evloves, there needs to be a medium that can emerge together the traditional values of the elders and modern ideals of students . Fisk University takes pride in being a private university, however by not recienvng those additonl funds from the goverment that could otherwise renovate certain aspects of our school, as Fisk strives to secure most students with scholarships.

    Read all  10 answers
  10. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    How small the classrooms are and how great the professors are. The class size is great because you have more time to spend with the professors and they are there for you when ever you need assistance, and you have the opportunity to build a personal relationship with many of the faculty and adminstration.

    Read all  10 answers
  11. What kind of person should attend this school?

    Fisk University is open to all types of students, however, the demanding work load and competitiveness for success may not be suitable for all students. Fisk's small population creates a family feel amoungst its students and faculty. This closeness grants the students to opportunity to actually meet and become familiar with their professors, which would be very difficult at larger universities. Students would prefer more accessibility to professors and smaller class sizes would be a prefect fit a Fisk University.

    Read all  10 answers
  12. What's unique about your campus?

    The best thing is the building of frienships and the quality of education that I am receiving

    Read all  10 answers
  13. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    grades and girls

    Read all  8 answers
  14. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    Because of its size, Fisk is truly a family. That is the most important feature of Fisk and every student contributes to that characteristic. Everybody speaks to everybody when walking past each other. If you ever meet another Fiskite, you instantly feel bonded to them, no matter how long ago they graduated. Fiskites look out for other Fiskites. In situations as simple as needing a ride to Wal-Mart, anybody is willing to help. If someone has a death in the family, it seems like the whole school is mourning with that student. On any given day, you can walk outside and see students chillin' on the yard or on the "Tree of Knowledge." Nashville is definitely a college town. Tennessee State (HBCU) is almost within walking distance and most students at Fisk have a lot of friends at TSU. There's also Vanderbilt in close proximity, as well as a bunch of smaller schools (Belmont, Lipscomb, etc.) . The most important thing is that Fisk is the type of school where either you absolutely love it or you hate it with a passion. So many students have expectations about how they want their college experience to be. Most of the students that come to Fisk freshman year expecting huge parties, wearing pajamas to class, getting lost in the crowd, and not having to excel in academics, Fisk is not the school for them. Luckily, they transfer their first year and Fisk is left with students that love the school and appreciate its legacy. Imagine a place where every person that is there WANTS to be there. It's great!

    Read all  4 answers
  15. What is the stereotype of students at your school?

    The most common stereotype about Fisk students is the attitude towards non-Fiskites. We are considered stuck-up or too smart for our own good.

    Read all  4 answers
  16. What are the academics like at your school?

    Due to the small size, not only to the professors know your name, they know your potential. The freshman core classes are designed to help students find a black identity by exposing them to black culture and literature that may have been "overlooked" during their early education. It's pretty cool because you get to discuss contemporary topics like Hip Hop in class. Most of the classes are really small, so class participation is necessary and vital. Actually, in most classes the students lead the discussion. Its usually not a situation where the teacher just lectures and students take notes. The teacher is involved in the discussion but its more like a conversation. However, in these types of classes, its important to be prepared for class and the teacher knows that you didn't read because you can't contribute to the discussion. Most of the classes are so interesting that its not unusual to find students having intellectual conversations in the cafeteria or dorms about a topic that was brought up in class. Fisk's education system really teaches you HOW to think, so that you can apply your knowledge and skills to any discipline, job, or situation. Most of Fisk's students go to graduate school. Several of the professors are Fiskites, so they know and appreciate the legacy and traditions of the school and seek to uphold them. They are understanding because they've been there and they know when a student is pledging a fraternity/sorority or not to give a major assignment due during Homecoming Week.

    Read all  4 answers
  17. Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?

    These stereotypes are not accurate. The history of Fisk reveals that mostly students from wealthy families attended Fisk in the past. This is simply because most of the black students that could afford a post-secondary education back in the 1800s were the mulatto sons and daughters of wealthy slave owners. This image simply stuck in the Nashville community. Also, many of the Fisk alumni are very successful in their various fields, leaving the impression that Fiskites excel in everything they do. Because Fisk is a gated campus that sits on a hill and overlooks the rest of Nashville, you can imagine why there may be a feeling that Fiskites are separated from the rest of the community.

    Read all  4 answers
  18. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    Greek life is pretty interesting on campus. The greeks have a lot of fun, but the do not completely dominate campus life. Our Greeks are pretty unique. They party through the week, but they are some of the smartest people on campus. Most of the fun on campus happens in the dorms, especially the Freshman dorms. Its really the first bonding experiences and thats how you develop so many memories and lifelong friendships. We have a lot of Convocations with notable guest speakers, sometimes notable alum such as Nikki Giovanni or Matthew Knowles. These are great networking opportunities too. Not many girls talk to guys on campus, simply because we are one big family and the guys are more like brothers. However there are a few power couples on campus. Most people have intercollegiate relationships with people at Vanderbilt or TSU. If you are looking for the big party school, this is not the institution. Don't get me wrong, Fiskites party hard, but alot of the students are more Afrocentric and like other forms of entertainment like concerts, bowling, salsa dancing, open mics, movies, or house parties. Just because there aren't parties on campus every week doesn't mean Fiskites don't go to one of the several nightclubs in the area. It IS a college town afterall!

    Read all  3 answers

Student Body

Students

66%

female

34%

male

723

Total Undergrad Enrollment

38

Total Grad Students

74%

Out-Of-State

25%

In-State

1%

International

Organizations

85

Student Organizations

4

Fraternities

4

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

100%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
N/A
% Asian/Pacific Islander
N/A
% Black or African-American
83%
% Hispanic/Latino
1%
% White or Caucasian
1%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

95% of students attending Fisk University receive some sort of financial aid. 56% were awarded federal grants. While 65% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$21,480

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$1,900

Books and Supplies

$10,790

Room and Board

34,170

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$26,389
$30 - $48K
$28,977
$48 - $75K
$29,935
$75 - $110K
$32,541
$110K & UP
$32,149

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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