Tennessee State University
About Tennessee State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Tennessee State University is a public historically Black university in Nashville, Tennessee. It offers programs in business, engineering, nursing, and education and benefits from Nashville's growing job market.
Founded
1912
Location
Nashville, Tennessee
Students
6,101
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
70.1%
Moderately selective
Graduation Rate
34%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$8,616
Out-of-state: $22,416
Avg Net Price
$15,796
After financial aid
SAT Average
1000
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$42,730
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Selective
70.1 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Required
Application Fee
$25
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
With a 70.1% acceptance rate, Tennessee State University admits most students who meet the academic standards. Focus on putting together a complete, thoughtful application.
SAT Scores
1000/ 1600
ACT Scores
19/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
34% complete their degree within six years
Retention
33.5%
4-Year Grad
19%
6-Year Grad
31%
Teaching Quality
14:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
77.3%
$/Student
$9.7K
Class Size
Medium
The 19% graduation rate is below the national average of 44%. It's worth looking into what support systems the school offers to help you finish your degree.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$8,616
In-State
$22,416
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$11,150
Books & Supplies
$1,600
Total Cost of Attendance
$25,637
After Financial Aid
$15,796
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$15,005
Receive Grants
51.1%
Take Loans
46.3%
The full cost of attendance is about $25,637/yr for in-state students, including $11,150 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $15,796. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $22,416.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Tennessee State University fund their education.
While in School
51.1%
Get Grants
Free money
46.3%
Take Loans
Must repay
$25,504
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$27,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$286/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The $27,000 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $43K within ten years. The numbers suggest the investment pays off for most students.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Tennessee State University.
Gender
65.5%
Female
35%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
4,848
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
1,253
Graduates
37.4%
First-Gen
22 yrs
Avg Age
7.5%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 66% of the student body. 37.4% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Large
Campus Quick Facts
4,848
Students
public
Institution
Small
Campus Size
R2 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Tennessee State University fields 7 varsity teams with 322 student athletes, about 7% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FCS
Conference
Ohio Valley
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
7
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
322
7% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
65% / 35%
210
Men
112
Women
5
Men's Teams
6
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Tennessee State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$42,730
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business Administration, Management and Operations
$40K
115 grads
1yr Earnings
Communication and Media Studies
$25K
51 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$35K
45 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$31K
42 grads
1yr Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections
$33K
42 grads
1yr Earnings
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
$34K
42 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $34K six years out, growing to $43K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Tennessee State University
What is the acceptance rate at Tennessee State University?▾
How much does Tennessee State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Tennessee State University?▾
How much do Tennessee State University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.