
1000 17th Avenue, North, Nashville, TN 37208-3051, USA


Fisk University holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which authorizes it to award bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. This accreditation ensures that the institution meets rigorous standards for academic quality, institutional effectiveness, and continuous improvement. For prospective students, accreditation by SACSCOC is a crucial indicator that Fisk University adheres to recognized criteria for higher education, which can impact credit transferability, eligibility for federal financial aid, and acceptance by graduate programs.
Fisk University requires prospective students to have completed secondary education or obtained a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. Applicants must provide a secondary school record and maintain a minimum GPA, although specific GPA thresholds are not detailed. The university does not have an open admission policy and does not offer dual credit or college program credits, but it does accept Advanced Placement (AP) credits. Standardized test scores are a component of the admissions process, with the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) being mandatory for non-native English speakers. Other admissions tests are recommended but not explicitly required.
Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate relevant competencies, though such qualifications are not strictly mandatory. Admission is competitive, with an acceptance rate around 58%, placing Fisk University in the lower 30th percentile compared to other institutions. The average admitted student records a composite SAT score of approximately 1210, which is above average and places them in the top 40 percent nationwide. Specifically, SAT Math scores tend to be higher, averaging 615, ranked in the top 30 percent, while SAT Writing scores average 595, near the top 45 percent. The mean ACT score is about 23, which is average but less competitive, falling in the lower 40 percent nationally.
Fisk University requires prospective students to submit a nonrefundable application fee as part of their admission process. The fee amount is set to ensure that the institution can process applications efficiently and cover administrative costs. However, the university provides options for fee waivers to applicants who demonstrate financial need, reducing barriers for those from underrepresented or economically challenged backgrounds.
The availability of fee waivers at Fisk University is intended to support equity and access in higher education, allowing qualified candidates the opportunity to apply without the burden of additional costs. Applicants seeking a waiver must typically provide documentation or evidence of their financial situation, subject to the university's review and approval process.
By offering fee waivers, Fisk University aligns with broader efforts to increase college affordability and diversity within its student body. This approach encourages a more inclusive applicant pool by mitigating financial obstacles in the admissions phase.
Fisk University does not host its own ROTC branch unit but participates as a cooperating host institution. This means that while the university itself does not operate an ROTC program on campus, students interested in participating in ROTC may do so through affiliated programs at nearby institutions. This arrangement allows Fisk University students to engage in military training and leadership development opportunities without the university maintaining a dedicated ROTC unit.
Fisk University considers transfer applications for the fall and spring terms, offering opportunities for students to continue their education seamlessly. The institution has a moderately difficult admission process, indicating that applicants should prepare to meet certain academic standards prior to transfer.
Transfer credit acceptance is available, allowing students to bring prior coursework toward their degree progress at Fisk University. However, specific details regarding acceptance of CLEP or DANTES credit remain undisclosed.
Fisk University provides its students with a variety of opportunities to engage in study abroad experiences designed to enhance their academic and cultural understanding. While the university does not operate its own extensive network of direct exchange programs, it encourages students to participate in programs through partner organizations and affiliated institutions. These opportunities often focus on immersive learning environments where students can explore global issues relevant to their fields of study.
Students interested in study abroad can access programs that range from short-term faculty-led trips to semester-long exchanges, depending on their academic schedules and interests. These programs are structured to support Fisk University's commitment to developing global citizenship and cross-cultural competence among its students. Participating students typically earn academic credit that applies toward their degree requirements.
Additionally, Fisk University offers resources and advising to assist students in navigating the application process, securing funding, and preparing for international academic experiences. This support ensures students are well-equipped to maximize the educational benefits of studying abroad while addressing logistical challenges.
Median composite SAT score
1210Median composite ACT score
23Percent of students submitting ACT scores
25%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
52%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
YesSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
Data not availableRecommendations
Data not availableFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
Data not availableStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
ModerateGenerally accepts credits
Data not availableAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring