Fisk University is a private historically Black liberal arts university in Nashville, Tennessee, established in 1866. It is ranked #156 among National Liberal Arts Colleges by US News 2026. Fisk is also the first African-American institution accredited by SACSCOC and the #1 private HBCU in Tennessee.
Fisk University enrols 1,035 undergraduates on its 47-acre Nashville campus. It offers 17 bachelor majors and 4 master programmes in biology, chemistry, physics and clinical psychology, all taught in English. Applications open for Fall and Spring intakes as part of the study in USA pathway. The Fall 2027 international deadline is 1 May 2027.
- US News National Liberal Arts Colleges Rank: #156 (2026)
- Acceptance Rate: 60-69% (estimated)
- Intakes: Fall (August) and Spring (January)
- Annual Undergraduate Tuition 2025-26: $20,220 (₹19.11 Lakh)
- Annual Graduate Tuition 2025-26: $22,590 (₹21.35 Lakh)
- Total Cost of Attendance 2025-26: $32,270 (₹30.50 Lakh)
Fisk follows a One Fee Model that bundles tuition, mandatory fees, on-campus housing and meals into a single yearly figure. Indian applicants planning the F-1 student visa route should budget for credential evaluation via WES or Spantran. Plan an extra ₹5 to ₹8 Lakh a year for personal spending and travel. Scholarship priority is given to Early Action applicants under Fisk’s merit review.
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = ₹94.5 as of September 2026
Admission Status: Closing Soon (Spring 2027 intake). International first-time undergraduate applicants for Spring 2027 must submit the complete file by 1 October 2026. For Fall 2027 entry, first-time international applications close on 1 May 2027. Early Action I closes on 1 November 2026 and Early Action II on 1 February 2027. Graduate applicants should confirm programme-specific deadlines with the Fisk University School of Graduate Studies before submitting.
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 runs 17 bachelor programmes over four years and 4 master programmes over two years, all in English. The university uses a One Fee Model for undergraduates and a separate per-year tuition for graduate students. As per the official Fisk University tuition schedule, annual undergraduate tuition for 2025-26 sits at $20,220. Graduate tuition is $22,590 with mandatory fees of $989.
Top 10 Master Programmes for Indian Applicants at Fisk University
Fisk offers a compact master portfolio in the natural sciences and clinical psychology. Several routes feed into the Fisk-Vanderbilt Master’s-to-PhD Bridge Program. Annual tuition is identical across all master programmes at $22,590. Total two-year tuition is $45,180 (₹42.70 Lakh). Bridge routes in physics, chemistry and biology are the most-chosen tracks for Indian applicants.
| Program | Duration | Total Tuition (USD) | Total Tuition (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Arts in Biology | 2 years | $45,180 | 42.70 Lakh | Bachelor with 55% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| Master of Arts in Chemistry | 2 years | $45,180 | 42.70 Lakh | Bachelor with 55% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| Master of Arts in Physics | 2 years | $45,180 | 42.70 Lakh | Bachelor with 55% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology | 2 years | $45,180 | 42.70 Lakh | Bachelor with 60% or CGPA 6.5/10 (recommended) |
| Fisk-Vanderbilt Bridge Program in Physics | 2 years | $45,180 | 42.70 Lakh | Bachelor with 60% or CGPA 6.5/10 (recommended) |
| Fisk-Vanderbilt Bridge Program in Chemistry | 2 years | $45,180 | 42.70 Lakh | Bachelor with 60% or CGPA 6.5/10 (recommended) |
| Fisk-Vanderbilt Bridge Program in Biology | 2 years | $45,180 | 42.70 Lakh | Bachelor with 60% or CGPA 6.5/10 (recommended) |
| Part-time Graduate Study | Variable | $1,255 per credit | 1.19 Lakh per credit | Bachelor with 55% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
Top 5 Bachelor Programmes for Indian Applicants at Fisk University
The five bachelor tracks below draw the largest share of Indian first-year applicants at Fisk, based on programme mix data. Annual tuition is identical across all majors; total four-year tuition works out to $80,880 (₹76.43 Lakh) before scholarships.
| Program | Duration | Total Tuition (USD) | Total Tuition (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | 4 years | $80,880 | 76.43 Lakh | Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended) |
| Bachelor of Arts in Biology | 4 years | $80,880 | 76.43 Lakh | Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended) |
| Bachelor of Arts or Science in Chemistry | 4 years | $80,880 | 76.43 Lakh | Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended) |
| Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Accounting | 4 years | $80,880 | 76.43 Lakh | Class 12 with 65% to 80% (recommended) |
| Bachelor of Arts in Psychology | 4 years | $80,880 | 76.43 Lakh | Class 12 with 65% to 80% (recommended) |
The four-year comprehensive cost on the One Fee Model, including on-campus housing and meals, works out to $129,080 (₹121.98 Lakh) before financial aid.
Insider note: Indian applicants at Fisk cluster in Computer Science, Biology and the Fisk-Vanderbilt Bridge Program tracks. These routes offer the strongest research access and Nashville tech placement.
Fisk University Admission 2027
Fisk University accepts applications for Fall (August) and Spring (January) intakes. International applicants apply only through these two cycles. Fall is the primary intake for Indian applicants. Scholarship consideration is strongest under Early Action rounds.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2027 international deadline (first-year) | 1 October 2026 | Complete file with financial documents and evaluated transcripts |
| Fall 2027 Early Action I deadline | 1 November 2026 | Priority scholarship consideration; strongest financial aid pool |
| Fall 2027 Early Action II deadline | 1 February 2027 | Second scholarship consideration window |
| Fall 2027 international first-year deadline | 1 May 2027 | All scholarships provisional after this date |
| Fall 2027 international transfer deadline | 1 June 2027 | WES or Spantran course-by-course transcript evaluation required |
| Credential verification (WES or Spantran) | Start 8 weeks before deadline | Course-by-course evaluation is mandatory for all Indian applicants |
| Fall 2027 programme start | August 2027 | F-1 visa interview slots best booked 90 days before start |
Planning note: Indian Bridge Program applicants should send WES transcripts at least 8 weeks before the Early Action I deadline. These routes are cohort-limited each year.
Read More: Fisk University Admissions Guide for Indian Students
Fisk University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
As per Fisk International Admissions, the university sets moderate academic thresholds for Indian applicants. Credential evaluation and English proficiency are the two non-negotiable requirements.
Postgraduate Requirements at Fisk University
- Academic: Recognised bachelor degree with 55% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended); science tracks favour Physics, Chemistry or Biology majors
- English: TOEFL iBT 61, or IELTS 5.5 overall (official Fisk minimums; verify at Fisk International Admissions)
- Credential evaluation: WES or Spantran course-by-course evaluation, at applicant expense
- Financial documents: Certified bank statements in USD showing sufficient funds for the full year
Undergraduate Requirements at Fisk University
- Academic: Class 12 with 65% to 85% (recommended) from a recognised Indian board. SAT or ACT is optional but lifts scholarship odds
- English: TOEFL iBT 61, IELTS 5.5, or paper-based TOEFL 500 (official Fisk minimums)
- Transcripts: Course-by-course evaluation via WES or Spantran; passport copy and school profile required
Key insight: Fisk waives the SAT and ACT for international applicants. However, test-optional students are excluded from full-tuition scholarship review. Indian applicants aiming for the Cravath or Provost awards should submit strong SAT scores.
Fisk University Acceptance Rate 2027
As per US News admissions data, Fisk reports an acceptance rate band of 60-69% (estimated). This places it in the moderately selective tier of US liberal arts colleges. Fisk does not publish a single annual rate on its official site.
The moderate rate reflects Fisk’s mission-driven admissions model rather than academic weakness. Strong applicants with an SAT above 1100 or ACT above 22 sit well above the median.
Reality check: Indian applicants with Class 12 above 75% and IELTS 6.0 or above have a strong statistical chance of admission at Fisk. Adding a clear science or business focus lifts scholarship odds further.
Read More: Fisk University Acceptance Rate
Fisk University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
Total annual undergraduate cost at Fisk sits at $32,270 (₹30.50 Lakh) on the One Fee Model. Graduate students pay $23,579 (₹22.28 Lakh) in tuition and fees before housing.
Fisk University Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2026
Fisk uses a bundled undergraduate fee that folds tuition, mandatory fees, campus housing and meals into one yearly charge. Graduate tuition is billed separately from housing.
| Level | Annual Fee Component | USD | INR lakh |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | Tuition (full-time) | $20,220 | 19.11 Lakh |
| Undergraduate | Mandatory fees | $989 | 0.93 Lakh |
| Undergraduate | Room, meals and One Fee bundle | $32,270 total | 30.50 Lakh total |
| Graduate | Tuition (full-time) | $22,590 | 21.35 Lakh |
| Graduate | Part-time credit rate | $1,255 per credit | 1.19 Lakh per credit |
[Source: Fisk University Tuition and Fees]
Monthly Cost of Living in Nashville for Fisk University Indian Students
Nashville sits well below coastal US metros on rent and food. Annual living costs stay near $17,000 (₹16.07 Lakh) for graduate students off campus.
| Expense | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (INR lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (off-campus shared) | $800 to $1,100 (estimated) | 0.76 to 1.04 Lakh (estimated) |
| Food and groceries | $300 to $450 (estimated) | 0.28 to 0.43 Lakh (estimated) |
| Transportation (WeGo bus and rideshare) | $80 to $130 (estimated) | 0.08 to 0.12 Lakh (estimated) |
| Books and supplies | $80 to $100 (estimated) | 0.08 to 0.09 Lakh (estimated) |
| Personal and phone | $150 to $220 (estimated) | 0.14 to 0.21 Lakh (estimated) |
| Total monthly | $1,410 to $2,000 (estimated) | 1.34 to 1.89 Lakh (estimated) |
| Total annual | $16,920 to $24,000 (estimated) | 16.00 to 22.68 Lakh (estimated) |
[Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard and Nashville regional cost surveys]
Insider note: Shared housing north of the Fisk campus near Jefferson Street costs 25% less than the Downtown Nashville average. Most Indian students at Fisk share two-bedroom apartments to keep monthly rent under $600 each.
Read More: Cost of Living in USA for Indian Students
Fisk University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
Fisk University’s 47-acre residential campus sits in North Nashville, a 10-minute drive from Downtown Nashville and Vanderbilt University. The setting is compact, walkable and historically preserved.
- Location and transport: North Nashville on WeGo bus routes 22 and 42; Nashville International Airport is 20 minutes by car
- Housing: On-campus housing is guaranteed for first-year students under the One Fee Model; over 80% of undergraduates live on campus
- Notable facility: Carl Van Vechten Gallery holds works from the Alfred Stieglitz collection donated by Georgia O’Keeffe
- Research access: The Fisk-Vanderbilt Bridge Program gives graduate students shared lab and instrument access at Vanderbilt University
- Indian community: Small but growing, with graduate cohorts in the science departments driving most of the Indian representation
What Indian students say: North Nashville is much quieter than the East Coast campuses. Fisk’s tight-knit cohort model helps first-time-in-USA students settle into the science labs quickly.
Fisk University Scholarships 2027
Fisk University offers three named merit scholarships and an annual endowed pool. All are open to international applicants who submit standardised test scores. None are reserved for Indian nationals, but Indian candidates with strong Class 12 or SAT scores compete on equal footing.
| Scholarship | Type | Award Value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erastus Milo Cravath Presidential Scholarship | Full ride | Full tuition, room, meals and books ($250 per semester) | SAT or ACT required; minimum 15 credit hours; renewable | Early Action rounds (1 November 2026 or 1 February 2027) |
| Ella Sheperd Moore Provost Scholarship | Full tuition | Full tuition (₹19.11 Lakh per year) | SAT or ACT required; minimum 15 credit hours; renewable | Early Action rounds |
| Fisk Outstanding Scholars and Leaders Award | Partial merit | $5,000 to $15,000 (₹4.72 to 14.17 Lakh) | SAT or ACT required; 12 to 18 credit hours; renewable | Early Action rounds |
| Endowed and Annual Named Scholarships | Need and merit | Varies by donor; verify at Fisk Scholarships | Enrolled Fisk students only; reapply each year | 15 September annually |
[Source: Fisk University Office of Admissions]
Planning note: Fisk excludes test-optional applicants from full-tuition scholarship review. Indian applicants targeting Cravath or Provost awards should sit the SAT or ACT. This holds even when the general admission process does not require it.
Read More: Fisk University Scholarships Guide
Fisk University Rankings 2027
Fisk University’s strongest ranking sits in the US News National Liberal Arts Colleges list. It holds #156 in the 2026 edition. Fisk also ranks inside the top 10 private HBCUs in Forbes 2026.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| US News Best Colleges - National Liberal Arts | 2026: #156 | 2025: #175 (approximate) | 2024: #167 (approximate) |
| US News Top Performers on Social Mobility | 2026: #35 | 2025: Not published | 2024: Not published |
| Forbes Top HBCU | 2026: Top 20 list; Top 10 Private HBCU | 2025: Not published | 2024: Not published |
| QS World University Rankings | 2027: Not ranked | 2026: Not ranked | 2025: Not ranked |
| THE World University Rankings | 2026: Not ranked | 2025: Not ranked | 2024: Not ranked |
| Collegedunia Study Abroad (National) | #642 of 650 | NA | NA |
[Source: US News, Forbes, QS, Times Higher Education, Collegedunia Study Abroad]
Fisk holds the #1 HBCU position in Tennessee. Forbes cites Fisk among the top private HBCUs for graduate outcomes. QS and THE focus on large research universities, which is why smaller liberal arts colleges are not listed.
Key insight: For Indian F-1 applicants, the US News National Liberal Arts rank drives STEM employer recognition. It feeds directly into Nashville-area recruiter pipelines and Fisk-Vanderbilt research partnerships.
Read More: Fisk University Rankings Analysis
Fisk University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
Fisk University reports strong graduate outcomes for a small HBCU. The pipeline runs into US doctoral programmes through the Fisk-Vanderbilt Bridge and into Nashville regional employers.
- Median earnings six years after enrolment: $40,000 (₹37.80 Lakh) per US Department of Education College Scorecard data
- PhD pipeline: Fisk-Vanderbilt Bridge Program is the largest producer of Black physics PhDs in the United States
- Post-study work: Non-STEM bachelor and MA graduates get 12-month OPT; STEM graduates get 36 months total with the STEM extension
- Employer sectors: Nashville healthcare (HCA, Vanderbilt Medical), regional finance, education non-profits, and STEM doctoral programmes at Vanderbilt and Meharry
- Alumni: Notable Fisk alumni include civil rights leader John Lewis; Indian alumni are concentrated in doctoral pipelines
Insider note: Indian STEM graduates who convert to PhDs via the Vanderbilt Bridge land tenure-track and industry roles above the Fisk median. ROI depends on the doctoral study route.
Fisk University vs Peer Universities
The peer set below compares Fisk against three similar-size US HBCUs and one liberal arts college outside the HBCU network. Reference data is drawn from US News 2026 and Collegedunia Study Abroad. This peer view helps Indian applicants weigh Fisk against alternative small US colleges.
| University | US News 2026 Liberal Arts Rank | Collegedunia Study Abroad | Avg Annual UG Tuition | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fisk University | #156 | #642 of 650 | $20,220 (₹19.11 Lakh) | Fisk-Vanderbilt Bridge Program; #1 HBCU in Tennessee |
| Spelman College | #39 | NA | $31,258 (₹29.54 Lakh) | Top-ranked women’s HBCU with strong finance placement |
| Morehouse College | #101 (approximate) | NA | $32,970 (₹31.16 Lakh) | Only all-male HBCU; strong law and political science pipeline |
| Tuskegee University | Regional (South) #16 | NA | $22,970 (₹21.71 Lakh) | Engineering, veterinary medicine, aerospace research |
| Bennett College | Regional (South) | NA | $18,940 (₹17.90 Lakh) | Small women’s HBCU with education focus |
Fisk stands out on cost and PhD pipeline. The One Fee Model is the lowest all-in undergraduate cost in the peer group. The Vanderbilt Bridge Program is unmatched among peers for STEM doctoral throughput.
Fisk University is a strong fit for Indian applicants with a science focus and a four-year budget under ₹1.3 Crore. The $129,080 (₹121.98 Lakh) four-year investment compares well against $40,000 median UG earnings. Bridge PhD outcomes are far stronger, supported by 36-month STEM OPT eligibility.
Fisk is not the right fit for applicants wanting a large research campus or global QS or THE recognition. Nor does it offer depth beyond natural sciences and clinical psychology. Applicants seeking those attributes should compare Fisk against alternatives among top MS universities in USA.
Fisk University FAQs
Ques. What master programmes does Fisk University offer beyond the natural sciences?
Ans. Fisk University offers four master programmes, all under the School of Graduate Studies. The MA is available in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Clinical Psychology. The Fisk-Vanderbilt Bridge Program runs parallel doctoral pathways in the science departments. Fisk does not currently offer master programmes in engineering, business or humanities.
Ques. Can Indian students on F-1 visas work part-time at Fisk University?
Ans. Yes, but not through federal work-study. Fisk F-1 students can take on-campus employment of up to 20 hours per week during term. Vacation weeks allow 40 hours. Off-campus work is limited to Curricular Practical Training and Optional Practical Training after the first study year. Fisk International Student Services handles the CPT and OPT paperwork.
Ques. Does Fisk University waive the SAT or ACT for Indian applicants?
Ans. Fisk is test-optional for admission decisions, so Indian applicants can apply without SAT or ACT scores. However, Fisk excludes test-optional students from full-tuition scholarship review including the Cravath and Provost awards. Indian applicants targeting these scholarships should sit the SAT or ACT even though it is not compulsory for admission.
Ques. What is the application fee at Fisk University for Indian applicants?
Ans. Fisk University does not publish a fixed international application fee on its admissions portal. Indian applicants should confirm the current fee inside the Common Application or Fisk direct application. Fee waivers are occasionally available for campus visitors or recruitment event attendees. Check the international admissions team for the latest waiver list.
Ques. Which Indian banks recognise Fisk University for education loans?
Ans. Fisk is a SACSCOC-accredited US private university. Major Indian public banks including SBI, Bank of Baroda and Bank of India accept it under overseas education loan schemes. Private lenders like HDFC Credila, Avanse and Auxilo also fund Fisk admissions. Indian applicants should collect the Fisk I-20 form before the loan sanction meeting.
Ques. Are dependent visas available for Fisk University graduate students?
Ans. Yes. Fisk University graduate students on F-1 status can bring spouses and unmarried children under 21 on F-2 dependent visas. F-2 dependents cannot work in the United States but can study part-time. Indian F-1 holders must show additional financial proof of $6,000 (₹5.67 Lakh) per dependent per year at the visa interview and I-20 issuance stage.
Ques. How long does OPT last for Fisk University STEM graduates?
Ans. Indian STEM graduates from Fisk qualify for 12-month standard OPT plus a 24-month STEM extension. The total works out to 36 months. Eligible Fisk majors include Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Biochemistry, Computer Science and the MA science routes. Non-STEM Fisk graduates get 12 months of standard OPT with no extension.
Ques. Does Fisk University accept the Duolingo English Test for Indian applicants?
Ans. Fisk University’s official international admissions page lists TOEFL iBT 61 and IELTS 5.5 as accepted English benchmarks. The Duolingo English Test is not confirmed on the official Fisk requirements page. Indian applicants who have only sat DET should confirm acceptance with Fisk admissions before applying. Plan a TOEFL or IELTS sitting as a backup.
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Fisk University Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QS Connect Master’s Scholarship | Scholarship per student$5,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| BL Mandhana Scholarships | Scholarship per student$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Go Clean Scholarship | Scholarship per student$3,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Business Administration Scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Novus Biological Scholarship Program | Scholarship per student$1,500 | Level Of StudyAssociate | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Washington DC Scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |
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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.