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Tennessee State University

Nashville, Tennessee 37209-1561

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Campus Vibe

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Known for health sciences — excellent value

Tennessee State University is a public institution in Nashville with particular strength in health sciences and business. With an average SAT of 1017, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.

A mid-sized campus of 6.5K undergraduates with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.

33% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $42,730 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $10,026.

Established
1912
Motto
Think. Work. Serve
Type
Public, historically black land-grant university
Conference
NCAA's Division I Football Championship Subdivision and is a member of the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC)
Division
Division I

Campus Visits

14 upcoming visits · Next: Fri, Apr 10 · Campus Tour
93%Acceptance
1017SAT Avg
6,498Students
13:1Student:Faculty
33%Grad Rate
$42,730Earnings 10yr
$10,026Net Price

News & Alerts

program2026-03-15

Tennessee State University Launches New Data Science Minor

tuition2026-02-28

Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27

Admissions

Acceptance Rate92.6%

SAT Score Ranges

Average: 1017

Reading & Writing
433538
Math
423530

ACT Score Range

Composite
1621

Admissions Intel

Acceptance Rate

92.6%

SAT Avg

1017

Yield Rate

35.0%

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition (in-state)$8,568
Tuition (out-of-state)$22,284
Room & Board$10,120
Books & Supplies$1,600
Total Cost of Attendance$23,828
Average Net Price$10,026
Median Debt at Graduation$27,000
Monthly Payment (10yr)$286

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$9,239
$30–48K$9,436
$48–75K$11,079
$75–110K$16,738
$110K+$16,378

Financial Intel

Avg Net Price

$10,026

Tuition Trend

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

6100.0%

Avg Tuition Increase

3.2%/yr

Median Debt at Grad

$17,500

Campus Safety

Total Incidents (2024)

50

Peer Average

37

3-Year Trend

Emergency System

Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones

Programs (79)

Student Life

Student Body

Undergrads
6,498
Gender Split
66% / 34%
Women / Men
First Generation
37%
Pell Grant Recipients
52%

Race & Ethnicity

White 5%
Black 85%
Hispanic 3%
Asian 1%
Two+ 3%
Int'l 2%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate33.0%
Freshman Retention60.2%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$34,160
8 Years$39,391
10 Years$42,730

10-Year Earnings by Gender

Women
$38,800
Men
$41,700

Rankings

U.S. News
#29
Washington Monthly
#100

More About This School

Rankings

History & Fun Facts

Source: Wikipedia

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

103Above Average

Estimated from TN state average + large city premium

Climate (School Year)

Snowfall: 5"Sunny days: 200Rainy days: 125

Nearest Cities

Nashvillepop. 690K
3 mi(5 min)
Atlantapop. 500K
217 mi(376 min)
St. Louispop. 290K
251 mi(435 min)

Getting There

Visit Planning

Deadline Calendar

Tennessee State University Application Checklist

Decision Notifications