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Private nonprofit, 4-year

Tuskegee University

Tuskegee, Alabama · www.tuskegee.edu

中文

Acceptance rate

48.7%

2025

Peer median 77.9%

Tuition per year

$25,386

$35,366 with room and board

Peer median $34,392

Undergraduates

2,659

Student-faculty ratio 14:1

Peer median 13 : 1

Graduation rate

32.9%

4-year; 6-year rate 67.0%

Peer median 44.6%

“Peers” are all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Tuskegee University, located in Tuskegee, Alabama, is a historically black university founded in 1881 by Booker T. Washington. The university is renowned for its rich history, academic excellence, and commitment to community service. Tuskegee's mission emphasizes the importance of education, leadership, and service, reflecting its motto, "Education for the Purpose of Service." This ethos has guided the institution in promoting social justice and empowering students to make meaningful contributions to society.

The university boasts a diverse range of programs, particularly excelling in the fields of agricultural sciences, engineering, and health professions. It has garnered recognition for its outstanding research initiatives, notably in veterinary medicine and environmental sciences. The campus is home to modern facilities, including state-of-the-art laboratories, libraries, and recreational areas, which support a vibrant student life. Tuskegee University places a strong emphasis on athletics, encouraging students to participate in various sports, fostering teamwork and school spirit. With a proud tradition of producing notable alumni, including civil rights leaders and successful professionals, Tuskegee University continues to leave a significant impact on both its graduates and the broader community.

Analysis of Key Metrics at Tuskegee University

Tuskegee University, a private institution, has shown notable trends in several key areas over the years. One significant aspect is the tuition fees, which have steadily increased from $18,900 in 2014 to $23,440 for in-state undergraduates in 2024. This represents a rise of approximately 24% over the decade, indicating a growing financial burden for students and families. The increase in tuition can often lead to higher student debt, which is a pressing concern nationally.

Another critical metric is the graduation rates. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduates has fluctuated, reaching a peak of 34.2% in 2021 but dropping to 27.9% in 2023. This decline raises questions about student support systems and the effectiveness of academic programs, as higher graduation rates are typically correlated with institutional success and student satisfaction.

Retention rates have shown a more positive trend, climbing from approximately 72.8% in 2013 to about 76% in 2022, before slightly declining to 75.6% in 2023. This upward trajectory suggests that the university is successfully maintaining student enrollment and engagement, which is essential for long-term success.

Lastly, the gender ratio among undergraduate students has indicated a relatively stable female majority, with women's representation fluctuating between 56.6% and 63.8% over the years. This gender balance might reflect broader trends in higher education, where female enrollment often surpasses that of males.

Overall, while Tuskegee University has made strides in student retention, the increasing tuition and fluctuating graduation rates call for strategic enhancements to ensure that students are not only enrolled but also successfully completing their degrees without excessive financial strain.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Distant town
Nearest major city
Birmingham, about 100 mi
Nearest international airport
Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM), about 100 mi
Tuskegee, Alabama
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Dr. Mark A. Brown (President and CEO)
Phone
334727801136088
City
Tuskegee, Alabama
Address
Kresge Center, 3rd Floor, Tuskegee, AL 36088-1920

Rankings & Admission

Acceptance rate (%)

Peer median 77.9% · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Acceptance rate by gender, 2025

Men
45.4%
Women
50.0%

In 2020: men 49.2%, women 52.9%.

Data insights

Analysis of Admissions Trends at Tuskegee University

The admissions data from Tuskegee University reveals significant fluctuations in acceptance rates and enrollment numbers over the years. Notably, the data indicates a peak in acceptance rates for male and female applicants in 2009, both hovering around 59%. However, this rate saw a sharp decline in the subsequent years, particularly in 2014, where the male acceptance rate plummeted to approximately 34% and the female rate to about 36%. This dramatic drop suggests a shift in the university's admissions strategy, possibly in response to increased competition from other institutions or a strategic decision to attract a higher caliber of applicants.
Despite the declining acceptance rates, enrollment figures remained relatively stable until 2020, when they began to drop significantly, indicating that the university may have been struggling to maintain its student population amidst rising rejection rates. The number of denied applications surged, particularly in 2023, when over 8,400 applicants were denied, reflecting a more selective admissions process.
Interestingly, the deferment figures also show volatility, with a notable spike in 2021, where over 6,300 candidates were deferred. This could be indicative of the university's attempt to manage the uncertainty brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing students more time to decide on their college paths.
Overall, the data portray a complex landscape for Tuskegee University's admissions process, characterized by increasing selectivity and fluctuating enrollment numbers. As the university navigates these challenges, it will be crucial to balance the desire for a diverse and talented student body with the need to maintain enrollment levels.

School and Program Rankings

U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking

Graduate Rankings · 2026 edition

Health Specialty2 programs—

Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition

Test Scores

2025 admitted students, 25th–75th percentile · 1% submitted SAT, 25% submitted ACT · SAT/ACT optional: considered if submitted

ACT composite18–25
ACT composite
18–25
253036

Data insights

Analysis of Tuskegee University's Admission Test Scores and Trends

The data from Tuskegee University reveals a notable trend in the admission test scores over the years, particularly in SAT and ACT scores. The number of students submitting SAT scores has been fluctuating, with a peak submission rate of 55% in 2007, gradually declining to just 8% by 2023. This dramatic drop in submissions may indicate a shift in applicant preferences or a decrease in the number of students meeting the submission criteria.

Examining the scores, the 25th percentile for SAT reading has seen a gradual increase from 390 in 2007 to 495 in 2023, signaling a positive trend in the minimum performance level among admitted students. Similarly, the upper quartile score has also shown improvement, moving from 510 to 620 in the same timeframe. This suggests that while fewer students are submitting scores, those who do are achieving higher outcomes, indicating a potential increase in the overall quality of applicants.

Conversely, the ACT scores have shown a less clear trajectory, with both the composite and individual section scores fluctuating over the years. The percentage of students submitting ACT scores has also varied, making it difficult to establish a consistent trend.

Overall, while the declining submission rates may raise concerns about accessibility and equity, the upward movement in scores among those who do submit suggests that Tuskegee University is attracting a more academically prepared cohort. This duality reflects broader trends in higher education, where institutions are increasingly focused on both the quality of incoming students and the inclusivity of their admissions processes.

How Hard Is It to Get In

about 5 in 10

11,632 applicants in 2025, 48.7% admitted

5,663 admitted 5,969 not admitted Yield 13.9%

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Bachelor's4440 international (0.0%)
Master's580 international (0.0%)
Doctoral710 international (0.0%)
Top 10 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Business Administration and Management, General
68
Animal Sciences, General
64
Health and Wellness, General
59
Biology/Biological Sciences, General
32
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
24
Psychology, General
21
Mechanical Engineering
18
Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering, General
18
Architectural Sciences and Technology, Other
14
Political Science and Government, General
14

U.S. studentsInternational

Popular graduate programs

  • Veterinary Medicine · Doctoral65 (0% international)
  • Occupational Therapy/Therapist · Master's16 (0% international)
  • Animal Sciences, General · Master's11 (0% international)
  • Environmental/Natural Resource Economics · Master's6 (0% international)
  • Environmental Science · Master's5 (0% international)
  • Information Technology Project Management · Master's4 (0% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data at Tuskegee University

The graduation data from Tuskegee University for 2023 reveals significant trends in various fields of study. Notably, the health and medical fields stand out, with a substantial number of graduates. For instance, Veterinary Medicine produced 57 doctorate graduates, showcasing the university's strength in veterinary sciences. This aligns with the growing demand for veterinary professionals, driven by increasing pet ownership and a heightened focus on animal health.

In contrast, certain disciplines such as Computer Science and Engineering show a minimal number of graduates, indicating possible challenges in attracting students to these programs. The tech industry is booming, and this discrepancy raises questions about curriculum relevance and industry partnerships that could enhance enrollment and graduation rates.

Moreover, the data indicates a complete lack of international students graduating in several programs, particularly in the bachelor's category. This could reflect broader trends in international student mobility, potentially influenced by visa policies and global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which have disrupted education systems worldwide.

Furthermore, the presence of degrees in education and public health highlights an ongoing commitment to producing graduates who can address societal needs, particularly in light of the recent public health crises. The low graduation rates in fields like Sociology and Humanities suggest a need for universities to reevaluate their offerings and support structures to better serve student interests and job market demands.

Overall, Tuskegee University's graduation data presents a microcosm of larger educational trends, emphasizing the importance of adaptability in academic programs to meet evolving societal and economic needs.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Agricultural has 149 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Agribusiness/Agricultural Business Operations.-
Animal Sciences, General.$27,259
Veterinary Medicine.$109,067
Veterinary Sciences/Veterinary Clinical Sciences, General.-
Health professionshas 103 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Health and Wellness, General.$32,911
Public Health, General.-
Occupational Therapy/Therapist.$61,815
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.$70,415
Businesshas 68 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Business Administration and Management, General.$46,578
Engineeringhas 54 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering, General.$56,907
Chemical Engineering.$83,683
Electrical and Electronics Engineering.$85,831
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering, Other.$85,831
Materials Engineering.-
Mechanical Engineering.$83,470
Biologyhas 38 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.$29,995
Biomedical Sciences, General.$29,995
Psychology has 21 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Psychology, General.$28,637
Natural resources has 18 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Environmental Science.-
Environmental/Natural Resource Economics.-
Social sciencehas 17 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Political Science and Government, General.-
Sociology, General.-
Architecture has 15 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Architectural Design.-
Architectural Sciences and Technology, Other.-
Computer and information sciencehas 15 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Computer and Information Sciences, General.-
Computer Science.-
Information Technology Project Management.-
Communication has 12 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Speech Communication and Rhetoric.-
Liberal arts has 11 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, Other.-
Human science has 10 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services, Other.-
Physical scienceshas 9 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Chemistry, General.-
Physics, General.-
Public administrationhas 8 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Public Policy Analysis, Other.-
Social Work.-
Construction trades has 6 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection, Other.$74,054
Mathmatics and statistics has 6 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Mathematics, General.-
Educationhas 6 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Elementary Education and Teaching.-
Physical Education Teaching and Coaching.-
English has 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
English Language and Literature, General.-
History has 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
History, General.-
Visual and Performing artshas 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Music Performance, General.-

Students

3,121 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 38:62 · Freshman retention 80.7%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (2,659)

Black
2,179 · 81.9%
Unknown
350 · 13.2%
Two or more races
98 · 3.7%
White
15 · 0.6%
Asian
6 · 0.2%
Hispanic
4 · 0.2%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
4.3%
18–19
53.0%
20–21
29.9%
22–24
10.8%
25 and over
2.0%

Graduate students

Under 22
3.0%
22–24
39.0%
25–29
37.0%
30–34
11.5%
35 and over
9.3%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Composition at Tuskegee University in 2023

In 2023, Tuskegee University showcased a diverse student body with a total of 2,570 students across various classifications. The undergraduate freshmen comprised 533 students, with a significant female representation of 60.4%, indicating a welcoming environment for women in higher education. However, the male representation stands at 39.6%, suggesting there is still room for improvement in attracting male students at the undergraduate level.

The undergraduate juniors formed the largest group with 1,498 students. Again, the female demographic led with 63.2%, while males accounted for 36.8%. This trend emphasizes the ongoing gender disparity in higher education, particularly among undergraduate programs, which has been a focal point in discussions surrounding educational equity in the U.S.

Interestingly, the undergraduate transfer students, though fewer in number at 69, exhibited a higher male representation of 55.1%, which may reflect different dynamics in student recruitment or retention strategies for transfer students. Meanwhile, the graduate student body comprised 470 individuals, with a strikingly high female representation of 76.4%. This significant gender imbalance in graduate studies raises questions about the factors encouraging women to pursue advanced degrees compared to their male counterparts.

While the racial and ethnic breakdown of students reveals the university's commitment to diversity, it also highlights the need for ongoing efforts to ensure representation across various groups. Overall, Tuskegee University continues to play a critical role in shaping an inclusive educational landscape, yet the evident gender disparities across different classifications warrant further examination and proactive measures.

Demographic Insights on Student Age Composition at Tuskegee University

The age composition of students at Tuskegee University reveals interesting trends that reflect broader societal patterns in higher education. The largest group of students is aged 18-19, comprising 38.8% of the total female population and 58.6% of the total male population. This suggests that Tuskegee University is attracting a significant number of recent high school graduates, a trend common among many universities in the United States.

Among students aged 20-21, there is a noticeable balance, with a total of 507 students, where 50.5% are female and 49.5% male. The presence of graduate students in their early twenties indicates that many are likely pursuing advanced degrees immediately after completing their undergraduate studies.

The data show a sharp decline in enrollment for students aged 22-24 and above, with only 17.1% of total students falling in this category. This drop might indicate that many students are completing their studies more quickly or choosing to enter the workforce earlier.

Interestingly, the enrollment of non-traditional students aged 25 and above remains relatively low, with the highest participation observed in the 25-29 age group, comprising 18.7% of total students. This reflects a growing trend in higher education where older adults return to school for career advancement or personal development, although their numbers remain modest.

Overall, Tuskegee University appears to maintain a youthful demographic, aligning with national trends that show a predominance of younger students in higher education institutions. As the landscape of education continues to evolve, the university may benefit from exploring ways to engage and support a more diverse age range in its student population.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Undergraduates0.0%

0 in 2025 · 0.4% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.4%2017: 0.0%2018: 0.0%2019: 0.0%2020: 0.0%2021: 0.0%2022: 0.0%2023: 0.0%2024: 0.0%2025: 0.0%
2016Peer median 2.6%2025
Graduate students0.0%

0 in 2025 · 0.8% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.8%2017: 2.4%2018: 0.0%2019: 0.0%2020: 0.0%2021: 0.0%2022: 0.0%2023: 0.0%2024: 0.0%2025: 0.0%
2016Peer median 2.2%2025

Data insights

Analysis of International Student Enrollment at Tuskegee University

The data reflecting international student enrollment at Tuskegee University over the years reveals significant fluctuations, particularly in undergraduate and graduate programs. Notably, the percentage of international students in undergraduate programs has been relatively low, peaking at 1.50% in 2013, while the graduate program showcased a more robust presence of international students, reaching as high as 35.33% in 2004.

Throughout the years, the number of international undergraduates has generally remained below 40, indicating a limited attraction for international students at the undergraduate level. In contrast, graduate programs have consistently drawn more international students, which may be attributed to Tuskegee's strong reputation in specific fields of study, research opportunities, and the supportive environment for graduate studies.

The decline in both undergraduate and graduate international student numbers in the later years, particularly noted in 2014 and 2015, could reflect broader trends affecting U.S. higher education, such as changes in immigration policies or increased competition from universities in other countries. Moreover, the significant drop in international graduate students in 2016 to just 0.78% suggests a need for the university to reassess its recruitment strategies to better appeal to this demographic.

Given the global emphasis on diversity in educational settings, Tuskegee University stands at a crossroads. By enhancing its outreach and support for international students, the university has the potential to significantly enrich its campus culture and academic environment, fostering a more globally aware student body that aligns with modern educational values.

Cost

2025 cost per year

$35,366

Undergraduate tuition
$25,386
Room and board
$9,980
Graduate tuition
$26,228
Tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $47,329 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Tuition rose 27% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 10%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$197M

Government grants and contracts
$65.2M33.1%
Gifts and private grants
$35.0M17.8%
Tuition and fees
$34.3M17.4%
Investment return
$22.1M11.2%
Auxiliary enterprises
$17.7M9.0%
Other
$22.7M11.5%

Expenses$144M

Instruction
$41.1M28.6%
Research
$30.3M21.1%
Institutional support
$25.8M18.0%
Public service
$17.3M12.1%
Student services
$14.8M10.3%
Academic support
$7.5M5.2%
Auxiliary enterprises
$6.8M4.8%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

All faculty
$66,080peers $68,006
Professor
$89,304peers $78,041
Associate professor
$70,155peers $70,202
Assistant professor
$48,315peers $63,827
Instructor
$37,345peers $55,171

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference: football, basketball, baseball, cross country

2025
NCAA Division II with footballMENWOMEN
Football143-
Track and Field (Outdoor)3420
Track and Field (Indoor)2918
Baseball42-
Basketball1617
Softball-26
Tennis1312
Cross Country1312
Volleyball-22
2024
NCAA Division II with footballMENWOMEN
Football135-
Baseball39-
Basketball1715
Track and Field (Outdoor)1616
Tennis1710
Volleyball-23
Softball-22
Cross Country1010
2023
NCAA Division II with footballMENWOMEN
Football121-
Track and Field (Outdoor)2628
Cross Country2623
Basketball1916
Tennis1914
Baseball32-
Softball-19
Volleyball-16

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable universities near Tuskegee University:

  1. Auburn University - Ranked 93rd in the 2024 US News rankings, Auburn University is a comprehensive public university known for its strong engineering and business programs.

  2. University of Alabama at Birmingham - With a ranking of 142, UAB is recognized for its research initiatives and health-related programs, making it a significant institution in the healthcare field.

  3. Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus - Ranked 33rd, Georgia Tech is a prestigious institution specializing in engineering and technology, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

  4. Emory University - Emory is ranked 24th and is known for its rigorous academics, strong liberal arts programs, and reputable medical school.

  5. Florida State University - FSU, ranking 53rd, is noted for its vibrant campus life and strong programs in the arts, sciences, and business.

These universities offer a diverse range of programs and opportunities for students in the region surrounding Tuskegee University.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 4.0 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Liquor referrals
30
Drug referrals
29
Domestic violence
9
Burglary
5
Weapons referrals
5
Drug arrests
4

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Rates at Tuskegee University

The crime statistics at Tuskegee University reveal a significant decline in the average number of crimes per 1,000 students from 2013 to 2023, which is a positive trend for the campus community. In 2013, the crime rate was 22.84, while it dropped to 5.45 by 2023, indicating a decrease of over 76%. This downward trajectory highlights the potential effectiveness of safety initiatives and community engagement efforts within the university.

Looking closely at specific types of offenses, there has been a notable reduction in serious incidents such as armed arrests and drug-related offenses. For instance, the number of armed arrests reported in recent years has been minimal, which suggests that the campus is becoming safer and that students are increasingly aware of their surroundings.

However, it is essential to consider that crime is still a reality for many campuses across the nation; thus, Tuskegee University must continue to prioritize safety measures, support for victims, and educational programs aimed at crime prevention. The decline in crime rates should not lead to complacency, as maintaining a secure environment is crucial for the wellbeing of students and staff alike.

Overall, the data presents a hopeful picture for Tuskegee University, showcasing improvements in campus safety. Continued vigilance and proactive measures will be essential in sustaining this positive trend. For those interested in the methodology behind crime rate calculations, further information can be found here.

Notable Alumni

All 24

Notable alumni of Tuskegee University include Lionel Richie (Singer, songwriter and record producer), Ralph Ellison (Author of Invisible Man) and Alice Coachman (High jumper, first black woman Olympic gold medalist).

See all 24 notable alumni of Tuskegee University →

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.