Fisk University is a private historically Black liberal arts university in Nashville, Tennessee, ranked #156 in US News National Liberal Arts Colleges 2026. Founded in 1866, Fisk was the first African-American institution accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
The university enrols 1,035 undergraduates across two schools: Humanities and Behavioral Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Business. Programmes are taught entirely in English across 22 bachelor’s and 3 master’s tracks, with Fall and Spring intakes open to Indian applicants and a low $25 F-1 student visa application fee.
- US News National Liberal Arts Colleges 2026: #156
- Acceptance Rate: 93% (estimated)
- Intakes for Indian Students: Fall (August) and Spring (January)
- PG Tuition: USD 24,210 per year (INR 22.9 lakh)
- Average Starting Salary: USD 45,000 (INR 42.5 lakh)
Also Check: MS Universities in USA
Fisk keeps published tuition below USD 25,000 and offers merit awards up to full tuition. Indian applicants pay a USD 500 acceptance fee after admission and secure the F-1 visa before travelling to Nashville.
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = INR 94.5 as of September 2026
Admission Status: Closing Soon (Spring 2027 intake). The international deadline for new first-time and transfer applicants is 1 October 2026, nine days from today. Indian applicants targeting Fall 2027 must submit by 1 May 2027 (first-time) or 1 June 2027 (transfer). The next cycle, for Fall 2027 entry, is expected to open November 2026 with a 1 May 2027 close.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and Fees at Fisk University 2027
- Fisk University Admission 2027
- Fisk University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- Fisk University Acceptance Rate 2027
- Fisk University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- Fisk University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- Fisk University Scholarships 2027
- Fisk University Rankings 2027
- Fisk University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- Fisk University vs Peer Universities
- Fisk University FAQs
Popular Courses and Fees at Fisk University 2027
Fisk University charges a single per-year tuition rate across programmes, with graduate tuition slightly higher than undergraduate. Full-time undergraduate tuition sits at USD 23,880 per year and graduate at USD 24,210, split across two semesters.
Fisk University PG Fees for Indian Students 2027
All master’s programmes run for two years across four semesters, with total tuition of USD 48,420 (INR 45.8 lakh) plus mandatory annual fees.
| Program | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| M.A Biology | 48,420 | 45.8 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| M.A Chemistry | 48,420 | 45.8 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| M.A Physics | 48,420 | 45.8 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
[Source: Fisk University official Schedule of Fees 2025-2026]
Fisk University UG Fees for Indian Students 2027
All bachelor’s programmes are four-year courses with total tuition of USD 95,520 (INR 90.3 lakh) plus annual recurring fees.
| Program | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.A Biology | 95,520 | 90.3 lakh | Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended) |
| B.S Computer Science | 95,520 | 90.3 lakh | Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended) |
| B.S Business Administration - Accounting | 95,520 | 90.3 lakh | Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended) |
| B.A Psychology | 95,520 | 90.3 lakh | Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended) |
| B.Mus Music Performance | 95,520 | 90.3 lakh | Class 12 with 70% to 85% + portfolio (recommended) |
[Source: Fisk University official Schedule of Fees 2025-2026]
Insider note: Indian applicants most often choose the M.A Biology and B.S Business Administration streams, since these link to Nashville’s healthcare and finance recruiting pipelines and support strong CPT placements.
Fisk University Admission 2027
Fisk University runs rolling admissions across two annual intakes for Indian applicants, with dedicated international deadlines separate from domestic cycles.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2027 international deadline | 1 October 2026 | Applies to new first-time and transfer students |
| Fall 2027 first-year international deadline | 1 May 2027 | Primary intake for Indian undergraduates |
| Fall 2027 transfer international deadline | 1 June 2027 | Later deadline for credit transfers |
| Credential verification (WES or Spantran) | Start 6 to 8 weeks before deadline | NACES-accredited course-by-course evaluation required |
| Fall 2027 programme start | August 2027 | F-1 visa must be secured before travel |
[Source: Fisk University Office of International Admissions]
Planning note: Book the WES or Spantran transcript evaluation the moment you request Class 12 or bachelor’s marksheets, since the electronic transfer to Fisk can take up to three weeks and blocks any admission decision.
Read More: Fisk University Admissions Guide for Indian Students
Fisk University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
Fisk keeps its admission requirements straightforward for Indian applicants, with clear academic and English thresholds and no mandatory standardised test.
- Undergraduate academic: Class 12 with a minimum unweighted equivalent GPA of 2.5 on 4.0 scale (roughly 55% to 60% aggregate)
- Postgraduate academic: Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5 on 10 scale (recommended)
- English test minimums: TOEFL iBT 61 or TOEFL PBT 500 or IELTS 5.5
- Credential evaluation: Mandatory course-by-course evaluation by WES or Spantran
- SAT or ACT: Optional under Fisk’s test-optional policy; recommended for scholarship consideration
Key insight: Applicants who skip the SAT or ACT under Fisk’s test-optional policy remain eligible for admission but are not considered for full-tuition scholarships such as the Ella Sheperd Moore Provost Scholarship.
Fisk University Acceptance Rate 2027
Fisk University’s acceptance rate is 93% (estimated) based on the most recent enrolment cycles, placing it in the accessible tier for Indian applicants who meet the academic and English minimums.
The high admit rate reflects Fisk’s mission-driven admissions model and small annual first-year cohort. Applicants with a Class 12 aggregate above 70% and a valid English score are strong candidates.
Reality check: A 93% admit rate does not mean automatic entry. Fisk still rejects incomplete files, unverified transcripts and applicants below the TOEFL 61 or IELTS 5.5 English floor.
Read More: Fisk University Acceptance Rate
Fisk University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
Total annual cost for an Indian student at Fisk University sits between USD 40,000 and USD 45,000 (INR 37.8 to 42.5 lakh), covering tuition, mandatory fees and Nashville living costs.
Fisk University Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027
Verified tuition figures for the 2025-2026 academic year are used below; the official 2026-2027 schedule is published on the Fisk fees page.
| Program Level | Annual Tuition (USD) | Annual Tuition (INR lakh) | Mandatory Fees (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 23,880 | 22.6 lakh | 3,098 |
| Graduate | 24,210 | 22.9 lakh | 3,098 |
[Source: Fisk University official Schedule of Fees 2025-2026]
Monthly Cost of Living in Nashville for Indian Students
Nashville sits below coastal US metros on rent and groceries, though transit costs push higher because most students rely on ride-hail or car pooling.
| Expense | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (shared) | 800 | INR 75,600 |
| Food and groceries | 450 | INR 42,525 |
| Transportation | 150 | INR 14,175 |
| Books and supplies | 80 | INR 7,560 |
| Personal and utilities | 320 | INR 30,240 |
| Total monthly | 1,800 | INR 1,70,100 |
| Total annual | 21,600 | 20.4 lakh |
[Source: Nashville living cost estimates, verified against RentCafe and Numbeo September 2026]
Insider note: Indian students who share off-campus housing in the Jefferson Street corridor near Fisk pay closer to USD 650 per month, versus USD 1,200 for a solo one-bedroom in downtown Nashville.
Read More: Cost of Living in USA for Indian Students
Fisk University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
Fisk University’s 47-acre historic campus sits in North Nashville, a 10-minute drive from downtown Nashville and its healthcare and finance employers.
- Location and transport: North Nashville, WeGo bus network connects campus to downtown at USD 44 per monthly pass
- Housing: On-campus residence halls guaranteed for first-year students; USD 6,000 to USD 8,000 per year
- Notable facility: Carl Van Vechten Gallery holds one of the strongest African-American art collections in the US
- Indian community: Small but active South Asian Student Association; Nashville hosts one of the fastest-growing Indian diasporas in Tennessee
What Indian students say: Small class sizes make it easy to build direct faculty relationships. The community feel offsets the low absolute count of international students on campus.
Fisk University Scholarships 2027
Fisk University offers three named merit scholarships open to international applicants, all requiring submitted SAT or ACT scores for consideration.
| Scholarship | Type | Award Value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erastus Milo Cravath Presidential Scholarship | Merit | Full tuition + room + meals + books stipend | Minimum 15 credit hours per semester, top academic record | Priority Early Action |
| Ella Sheperd Moore Provost Scholarship | Merit | Full tuition | Minimum 15 credit hours per semester, high SAT or ACT | Priority Early Action |
| Fisk Outstanding Scholars and Leaders Award | Merit | USD 5,000 to USD 15,000 (INR 4.7 to 14.2 lakh) | 12 to 18 credit hours per semester, leadership record | Priority Early Action |
| Endowed and Named Scholarships | Need + Merit | Varies by fund | Enrolled students only, annual reapplication | 15 September |
[Source: Fisk University Office of Financial Aid]
Planning note: Full-tuition awards go only to applicants who submit SAT or ACT scores, so Indian students targeting the Cravath or Provost scholarships should sit an SAT or ACT well before the 1 May Fall deadline.
Read More: Fisk University Scholarships Guide
Fisk University Rankings 2027
Fisk University’s strongest ranking is US News National Liberal Arts Colleges, where it holds #156 in the 2026 edition, with steady year-on-year performance in the HBCU and Social Mobility categories.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS World | Not ranked in QS World 2027 | Not ranked | Not ranked |
| THE World | Not ranked in THE World 2026 | Not ranked | Not ranked |
| US News Best Colleges (National Liberal Arts) | 2026: #156 | 2025: #160 | 2024: #167 |
| US News HBCU | 2026: #22 | 2025: #21 | 2024: #20 |
| Collegedunia Study Abroad | #642 of 650 | NA | NA |
[Source: US News Best Colleges, Collegedunia Study Abroad]
Fisk is not ranked in QS World, THE World or ARWU editions because these global tables emphasise research volume, which small US liberal arts colleges rarely reach. US News is the recognised authority for the National Liberal Arts and HBCU tier that Fisk sits in.
Key insight: The US News National Liberal Arts Colleges rank matters more for US employers and visa officers than a QS World rank for Fisk applicants, since STEM OPT sponsors screen US degree accreditation, not global research metrics.
Read More: Fisk University Rankings Analysis
Fisk University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
Fisk University’s Career Development Center supports Indian graduates through OPT and STEM OPT filings, connecting students to Nashville healthcare, finance and research employers.
- Median starting salary: USD 45,000 (INR 42.5 lakh) — market median across recent graduating classes
- Employment within 6 months: Not officially disclosed for the full cohort
- Recruiting sectors: Healthcare research, financial services, education, government agencies and non-profit management
- Post-study work: 12-month OPT for all majors, plus 24-month STEM OPT extension for eligible Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Computer Science graduates
- Notable alumni: Fisk produces the highest number of African-American PhDs in natural sciences per capita in the US; strong pipeline into graduate research programmes
Insider note: Indian STEM graduates leverage the full 36-month OPT window to secure H-1B sponsorship. Nashville’s healthcare cluster is the strongest local employer channel for Fisk science majors.
Fisk University vs Peer Universities
The peer set below covers other private HBCUs and small US liberal arts universities Indian applicants shortlist alongside Fisk.
| University | US News National LAC 2026 | Collegedunia Study Abroad | Avg Annual UG Fee | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fisk University | #156 | #642 | USD 23,880 (22.6 lakh) | Strongest PhD pipeline for HBCU sciences |
| Spelman College | #39 | NA | USD 30,834 (29.1 lakh) | Top-ranked women’s HBCU nationally |
| Morehouse College | #118 | NA | USD 30,552 (28.9 lakh) | Strongest all-male HBCU alumni network |
| Hampton University | #191 | NA | USD 30,558 (28.9 lakh) | Broader graduate school portfolio |
| Xavier University of Louisiana | #159 | NA | USD 27,600 (26.1 lakh) | Leading HBCU for medical school placements |
[Source: US News Best Colleges 2026, Collegedunia Study Abroad]
Fisk stands out as the most affordable private HBCU in this set on published tuition, and it leads the peer group on per-capita natural sciences PhD production. Indian students choosing between the five typically weigh Fisk’s lower tuition against Spelman and Morehouse’s broader alumni reach.
Fisk University fits Indian applicants who want an accessible US private college experience with total investment near INR 45 lakh per year against a median starting salary of USD 45,000, backed by 36 months of STEM OPT on the F-1 visa pathway. The small cohort model rewards students who want direct faculty access over large research campuses.
Fisk is not the right pick for applicants targeting large STEM cohorts, global QS visibility or corporate-heavy recruiting drives. Those students should shortlist Xavier University of Louisiana for stronger medical school placements or a larger public research university for scale.
Fisk University FAQs
Ques. What English test scores does Fisk University accept from Indian applicants?
Ans. Fisk University accepts TOEFL iBT with a minimum of 61, TOEFL PBT with 500, TOEFL CBT with 173, and IELTS Academic with an overall band of 5.5. The university has not officially published Duolingo or PTE minimums. Indian applicants whose Class 12 was taught in English medium may request an English-medium instruction waiver by submitting a letter from the school principal along with their transcripts.
Ques. Can Indian students work part-time while studying at Fisk University?
Ans. F-1 visa holders at Fisk University can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during academic terms and full-time during vacations. Off-campus work requires Curricular Practical Training authorisation after the first academic year for course-related roles, or Optional Practical Training approval after graduation. Nashville’s healthcare and hospitality sectors offer common on-campus and CPT roles for Fisk students.
Ques. How much is the application fee for Indian students at Fisk University?
Ans. Fisk University charges international applicants a USD 25 application fee (INR 2,363), payable online during application submission. Admitted Indian students then pay a USD 500 acceptance fee (INR 47,250) to confirm their seat, which is credited against first-semester tuition. Both fees are non-refundable if the student withdraws before enrolment.
Ques. Which credential evaluation agencies does Fisk University accept for Indian transcripts?
Ans. Fisk University accepts course-by-course evaluations from World Education Services and Spantran for Indian Class 12 and bachelor’s transcripts. Spantran offers a Fisk-specific application with a discounted evaluation rate. Any other NACES-accredited evaluator is also accepted. Indian applicants should start the evaluation six to eight weeks before the application deadline to avoid processing delays.
Ques. Does Fisk University require the SAT or ACT for Indian undergraduate applicants?
Ans. Fisk University follows a test-optional admissions policy, so Indian undergraduate applicants can apply without SAT or ACT scores. However, students seeking full-tuition merit scholarships such as the Ella Sheperd Moore Provost Scholarship or the Cravath Presidential Scholarship must submit SAT or ACT scores. Test-optional applicants remain eligible for the Fisk Outstanding Scholars and Leaders Award.
Ques. What financial documents must Indian students submit for the F-1 visa?
Ans. Indian applicants must submit an affidavit of financial support proving USD 45,000 to USD 50,000 in liquid funds per year of study. Acceptable documents include bank statements from the last six months, education loan sanction letters from Indian banks such as SBI or HDFC Credila, and sponsor income proof. Fisk issues the I-20 only after verified financial documentation and admission confirmation.
Ques. Which Indian banks recognise Fisk University for education loans?
Ans. Fisk University is recognised by major Indian education lenders including HDFC Credila, ICICI Bank, Avanse Financial Services, and Auxilo Finserve. State Bank of India offers loans up to INR 1.5 crore for accredited US universities including Fisk. Loan approval typically requires the Fisk I-20, admission letter, collateral for amounts above INR 40 lakh, and a co-applicant with steady income.
Ques. How long does Fisk University take to send admission decisions to Indian applicants?
Ans. Fisk University runs rolling admissions and typically releases decisions within four to six weeks of receiving a complete application, including WES or Spantran evaluation and English test scores. Indian applicants who apply during the Priority Early Action window receive earlier decisions and stronger scholarship consideration. The I-20 is issued within two weeks of confirmed enrolment via the USD 500 acceptance fee.
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Fisk University Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BeArt Presets-Academic Scholarship | Scholarship per student$2,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Comindware Scholarship | Scholarship per student$4,000 | Level Of StudyApprenticeship | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Forktip Women’s- Innovation Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific |
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Fisk University Admissions
Application Portal: https://www.fisk.edu/admissions/apply
Early Action Deadlines
Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)Regular Decision Deadlines
Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
Fisk University Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1253 | 881 | 372 | 25 |
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Fisk University offers both merit based as well as need based scholarships to international students. The popular international scholarships of Fisk University include Ella Sheperd Moore Provost Scholarship, Fisk Outstanding Scholars and Leaders Award, American University Emerging global leader Scholarship, United World Colleges International Youth Scholarships, etc.