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


Fisk University fields a variety of athletic teams that compete primarily in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA). The university's sports program includes men's basketball, baseball, and cross country, as well as women's basketball, volleyball, softball, and cross country. These teams provide student-athletes with opportunities to compete at the collegiate level while balancing academic commitments.
Athletics at Fisk aims to foster both physical development and teamwork, emphasizing sportsmanship and personal growth. The university's facilities support training and competition, though they are modest compared to larger institutions. Prospective students with an interest in participating in college sports can expect a supportive environment geared toward beginning or continuing their athletic pursuits.
Fisk University offers a variety of student organizations catering to diverse interests. Among these are the Student Government Association, which provides leadership and representation for the student body, state clubs that connect students from various regions, and class organizations that foster class unity and activities. Additionally, students can engage with Greek fraternities and sororities, contributing to social life and networking opportunities on campus. The University Choir also presents a cultural and artistic outlet for students interested in performance and music.
Fisk University enrolls a relatively small number of new students each year, with about 320 freshmen, a figure that places the institution in the lower third nationally. Transfer student numbers are minimal, effectively zero, indicating that most students begin their studies directly at Fisk University. Overall, the total incoming student population remains modest compared to many peer institutions.
The undergraduate body is predominantly young adults between 18 and 21 years old, with 205 students aged 18 to 19 and 442 students aged 20 to 21. There is also a significant portion of students aged 22 to 24, totaling 268. Older undergraduates and graduate students make up a smaller fraction of the population, with graduate students primarily ranging from their early twenties to early fifties, though in much smaller numbers.
Regarding racial and ethnic diversity, African American students constitute the largest group, with 792 individuals, representing a level above average among comparable universities. Hispanic and Asian students are present but in smaller numbers-6 and 11 respectively-while those identifying with two or more races number around 10, which is below average nationally. There is also a notable group of students whose racial or ethnic identity is unreported, totaling 69.
Student life at Fisk University offers a variety of cultural and wellness opportunities despite its relatively small size. The university supports performing arts with offerings such as campus drama productions and a campus chorus, but it does not have a campus band, radio, or television station. Students can engage with a campus newspaper to stay informed and connected.
Health and psychological support services are available, including a health clinic and psychological counseling, providing essential resources for student well-being. However, services such as legal assistance and a dedicated women's center are not offered. The campus size is moderate, accommodating just over a thousand students, with a student-faculty ratio of about 11 to 1, which can foster personalized academic attention.
Athletically, Fisk University participates in the NAIA, which may offer student-athletes opportunities to compete at the intercollegiate level. The diverse campus includes students from a handful of countries, though international diversity is relatively low.
Fisk University offers access to a single main library, the John Hope and Aurelia E. Franklin Library, serving the entire campus community. While there are no additional libraries, the institution provides physical library facilities complemented by digital access to support student research and study needs.
The library's collection consists of approximately 100,276 books, a volume that ranks in the lower 40th percentile compared to peer institutions. Subscription resources number 4,178, with a similar percentile standing. However, digital resources present a stronger offering; the university provides access to 1,885,709 eBooks, placing it within the top 10% nationally for electronic book availability.
Regarding digital subscriptions, Fisk University offers 333,766 titles, a figure that situates its digital content in the top 40%, which may be particularly beneficial for students seeking extensive online research materials. The number of databases available is 66, which remains average and sits near the midpoint among comparable universities.
Students can expect trained library staff who support both physical and digital services. While study rooms and all-day access are not available, the library maintains established operating hours and facilitates access to shared collections, enhancing resource availability beyond the immediate holdings.
Total enrollment
1005Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen
314Member of Athletic Associations
Data not availableTotal staff
167 full time, 85 part timeVeterans affair office
NoMain library name
John Hope and Aurelia E. Franklin LibraryNumber of libraries on campus
1Reservable study rooms in library
No24h access
NoPhysical facilities
YesAccess to digital/electronic resources
YesStaff trained to provide and interpret library materials
YesEstablished library hours
YesAccess to library collections that are shared with other institutions
Yes