Texas Southern University (TSU) vs Prairie View

Texas Southern University and Prairie View A&M University, both esteemed public historically black universities in Texas, offer unique educational experiences. Texas Southern, located in the heart of Houston, boasts a diverse student body and a wide range of academic programs, while Prairie View A&M, situated in the quaint town of Prairie View, prides itself on its strong agricultural and engineering programs. With acceptance rates of 68% and 64%, respectively, both universities welcome a considerable number of applicants. Explore the comparison table below to delve into further details, including popular majors, student demographics, graduation rates, and more, to determine which institution best aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Prairie View A & M University	Texas Southern University
Overview
Location	Prairie View, Texas	Houston, Texas
Campus setting	Town: Distant	City: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	75.0%	68.0%
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	77.0%	63.0%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $40 Graduate: $50	Undergraduate: $42 Graduate: $75
SAT range	840 - 1050	820 - 1000
ACT range	18 - 20	15 - 19
Students submitting SAT score	65.0%	43.0%
Students submitting ACT score	29.0%	14.0%
Total number of applicants	6,753	10,554
Total number of admissions given out	5,200	6,654
Admitted students who chose to enroll	1,811	1,294
Yield rate	34.8%	19.4%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Required	Required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $24,849 Out of state: $40,424	In state: $29,799 Out of state: $42,039
Average net price	$14,927	$9,921
Tuition	In state: $7,387 Out of state: $22,590	In state: $7,437 Out of state: $19,677
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $6,130 Meal plan: $2,969	$9,664
Available payment plans	Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	92.0% Average amount $13,391	94.0% Average amount $13,033
Students receiving federal student loan	67.0% Average amount $5,195	55.0% Average amount $5,425
Students taking out private loans	3.0% Average amount $16,925	2.0% Average amount $16,762

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	8,444 Men 32.1% Women 67.9%	5,726 Men 35.8% Women 64.2%
Graduate students	956 Men 37.1% Women 62.9%	1,798 Men 36.8% Women 63.2%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Very Low	Very Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	N/A
International students	2.5%	2.8%
Campus local/setting	Town: Distant	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	4,808	1,690
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Health Professions Engineering Kinesiology & Leisure Studies Biological and Biomedical Sciences	Business Health Professions Legal Profession Communication and Journalism Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Students to faculty ratio	19:1	15:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	41.6%	23.4%
Dropout rate	26.5%	36.8%
Transferred out	27.3%	35.0%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $92,341 Year 2: $90,049 Year 3: $100,710 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,240 Year 2: $70,009 Year 3: $82,296 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,439 Year 2: $63,005 Year 3: $78,974 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $68,171 Year 2: $72,891 Year 3: $76,074 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,650 Year 2: $69,757 Year 3: $73,106 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $69,804 Year 2: $70,009 Year 3: $71,448 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $67,982 Year 2: $54,109 Year 3: $66,754 Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $53,156 Year 2: $52,941 Year 3: $57,553 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $53,531 Year 2: $53,984 Year 3: $55,574 Construction Engineering Technologies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $43,438 Year 2: $46,478 Year 3: $54,487	Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $102,705 Year 2: $120,252 Year 3: $119,687 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $44,897 Year 2: $47,620 Year 3: $59,244 Criminal Justice and Corrections (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $46,424 Year 2: $59,169 Year 3: $59,059 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $42,210 Year 2: $31,305 Year 3: $57,454 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $53,126 Year 2: $52,941 Year 3: $56,470 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $37,208 Year 3: $52,078 Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $50,406 Year 2: $49,576 Year 3: $50,583 Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $42,235 Year 3: $45,806 Public Administration (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $45,725 Year 2: $43,290 Year 3: $45,610 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $35,451 Year 2: $35,060 Year 3: $44,812

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Texas Southern University (TSU) and Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU)?

Texas Southern University (TSU) is located in the heart of Houston, Texas, offering a vibrant urban experience and a strong focus on law, pharmacy, and public affairs. Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU), situated in Prairie View, Texas, provides a more traditional, rural college setting with a strong emphasis on engineering, agriculture, and nursing. While both are Historically Black Universities (HBCUs), TSU's location provides greater access to internships and career opportunities in Houston's diverse industries, while PVAMU offers a close-knit community and a focus on STEM fields.
Which university is larger, Texas Southern University or Prairie View A&M University?

Prairie View A&M University generally has a larger student population than Texas Southern University. While enrollment numbers can fluctuate, PVAMU typically enrolls more undergraduate and graduate students overall.
How do the academic programs at TSU and PVAMU compare?

Both TSU and PVAMU offer a wide range of academic programs. TSU is particularly known for its Thurgood Marshall School of Law, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs. PVAMU excels in its engineering programs, College of Agriculture and Human Sciences, and College of Nursing. Consider your specific academic interests when deciding which university aligns best with your goals.
What is the campus environment like at each university?

TSU offers an urban campus experience in Houston, providing students with access to city amenities, cultural events, and professional opportunities. PVAMU provides a more traditional, rural campus setting, fostering a close-knit community and a focus on campus life. If you prefer a bustling city environment, TSU might be a better fit. If you prefer a quieter, more community-oriented atmosphere, PVAMU could be a better choice.
How do the costs of attending TSU and PVAMU compare?

Tuition and fees at both TSU and PVAMU are generally comparable, especially for Texas residents. However, the overall cost of attendance can vary depending on factors such as housing, meal plans, and personal expenses. Living in Houston (TSU) might present different cost-of-living considerations compared to living in Prairie View (PVAMU). It's best to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date information on tuition, fees, and financial aid options.
What are the athletic programs like at TSU and PVAMU?

Both TSU and PVAMU are members of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) and offer a variety of NCAA Division I athletic programs. Both universities have strong traditions in football, basketball, track and field, and other sports. The level of competition and school spirit is high at both institutions, providing students with opportunities to participate in or support their favorite teams.
What kind of financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available at TSU and PVAMU?

Both TSU and PVAMU offer a range of financial aid options, including federal grants, state grants, loans, and scholarships. Scholarship opportunities are available based on academic merit, leadership, and other criteria. It's crucial to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for financial aid. Check the financial aid websites of both universities for specific scholarship opportunities and application deadlines.
How do TSU and PVAMU support their students' career development?

Both TSU and PVAMU have career services offices that provide students with resources and support for career exploration, resume writing, interview preparation, and job searching. TSU's location in Houston offers access to a wide range of internship and job opportunities in various industries. PVAMU also has strong relationships with employers in engineering, agriculture, and other fields. Both universities host career fairs and networking events to connect students with potential employers.
What is the history and legacy of TSU and PVAMU as HBCUs?

Both Texas Southern University and Prairie View A&M University have rich histories as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). They were founded to provide educational opportunities for African American students during a time of segregation. Both institutions have played a significant role in educating leaders and professionals in various fields and continue to uphold their commitment to academic excellence and community service. Choosing either TSU or PVAMU means becoming part of a proud legacy of academic achievement and social impact.
How do the alumni networks of TSU and PVAMU compare?

Both TSU and PVAMU have strong and active alumni networks. These networks provide graduates with opportunities for professional development, networking, and mentorship. The TSU alumni network is particularly strong in the Houston area, while the PVAMU alumni network has a significant presence throughout Texas and beyond. Connecting with alumni can be a valuable resource for career advancement and personal growth.

Compare Similar Colleges

The list of suggested college comparisons provided below is generated automatically by our system, utilizing statistics gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and various online sources. If you don't find the colleges you wish to compare, please visit our comparison page. There, you can search for the specific colleges and initiate your comparison.

Prairie View

Alabama State University