Colleges by Location
Colleges by Fields of Study
Colleges by Tuition Range
Colleges by GPA Range
College by SAT Range
Colleges by ACT Score
Graduate Schools by Location
Graduate Schools by Fields of Study
Graduate School by Degree Type
Paying for Graduate School
Online Graduate Programs
Test Preparation
Career Planning
College Planning
Graduate School Planning
Applying to Graduate School
- More
Nashville , TN
Tennessee State University (TSU) is a public university located in Nashville, Tennessee. Founded in 1912, TSU is the only state-funded historically black university in Tennessee. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across eight colleges and schools, including business, education, nursing, and engineering. TSU is known for its commitment to providing a holistic educational experience that prepares students for success in their chosen career paths.
TSU prides itself on its diverse student body, which includes students from various cultural backgrounds, nationalities, and states. With a student population of over 7,000, the university fosters a vibrant and inclusive campus community. TSU has a strong emphasis on experiential learning, providing students with opportunities to engage in internships, research projects, and community service. The university's location in Nashville, known as the "Music City," allows students to benefit from its thriving arts and entertainment scene, expanding their cultural and professional horizons.
TSU also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities and student organizations to enrich the college experience. From Greek life to academic clubs, there are ample opportunities for students to engage in campus life and develop leadership skills. Moreover, TSU is home to several NCAA Division I athletic teams, allowing students to participate in or cheer for their favorite sports teams. Overall, TSU is committed to fostering an environment where students can not only achieve academic success but also grow personally, professionally, and culturally.
Located in Nashville, TN and set in an urban environment, Tennessee State University is a public comprehensive higher education institution. This school follows a semester-based calendar. It has an acceptance rate of 70%. The freshman retention rate at Tennessee State University is 33.5% and the six-year graduation rate is 35%.
The freshmen application deadline for this school is August 1. Here are some current data on important things to consider about Tennessee State University.
Quick Facts
5,057
Total Number of Undergraduate Students
11:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
35%
Graduation Rate
Admissions
If you know as much as possible about the school's criteria for admission, you can make a better judgment about your eligibility and boost your chances of getting accepted. How difficult is it to get admitted to Tennessee State University and what are the admission requirements?
According to the most recent data, this school uses standardized test scores for admission and it admitted 6,859 in 2025. Looking at entrance difficulty level for all or most incoming freshmen, based on data self-reported by the institution this school is relatively easy to get into.
Test Scores
32% of first-time, first-year degree-seeking students submitted their SAT scores for admission, and 66% submitted ACT scores, out of the overall number of those who submitted test scores. 0.6% of the freshmen submitted SAT composite scores between 1,400 and 1,600, 4.6% between 1,200 and 1,399, 27.4% between 1,000 and 1,199, 60.1% between 800 and 999, and 7.3% of the students between 600 and 799. The percent of freshmen who submitted ACT Composite scores in the range between 30-36 was 0.5, 11 between 24-29, 50.3 in the range between 18-23, 37.3 between 12-17, 0.8 between 6-11, and 0.1 below 6.
The ACT composite average score for all the enrolled students in 2025 was 18 and the average GPA was 3.38. That means that you need a GPA that's above average in order to get into Tennessee State University.
Deadlines
The last day for submitting applications to Tennessee State University is August 1.
Retention Rate
The percentage of first-year students at a college or university who stay on for their second year is known as the freshman retention rate. Why is that metric important? Because it tells you if the majority of freshmen enjoyed their first year at a school enough to come back.
The freshman retention rate for Tennessee State University was 33.5% in 2025.
The graduation rate is another indicator to take into account. It provides valuable insight into the percentage of students who complete their studies within a designated timeframe. At this school, the rate of students graduating within six years is 35%.
Student Body
Choosing a school that is the right fit for you is not a simple task. You can have a better understanding of the school's culture and way of life by finding out more about the student body.
Main Student Body
The overall number of students enrolled at Tennessee State University in 2025 was 6,310.
That year, the institution had 55% of out-of-state students. There was a total of 5,057 those pursuing undergraduate studies, including 109 international students. The school reported to have a total of 257 transfer students.
Student Population Gender Ratio
The student body is coeducational, with 1,727 male and 3,345 female full-time students in 2025.
Student Population Diversity
Higher Education is dedicated to increasing student diversity and enhancing students' feelings of inclusion and belonging. Diversity promotes critical thinking, challenges preconceived notions, and encourages intellectual growth, so it helps students develop empathy and a broader understanding of the world. Find out more about different ethnic groups you can meet at Tennessee State University.
In 2025, out of the total number of students enrolled at the institution, the number of students of Asian origin was 28, and the number of Black American students was 4,124. 147 undergraduate students at this school identified as Hispanic/Latino and 130 as multirace. The school also had 2 students who identified as Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, as well as 2 American Indian or Alaska Native students. There were also 93 students whose ethnicity is unknown.
Cost
The financial aspect is one of the most important things to think about before applying to any college or university. The most recent data reported regarding the expenses for attending this school are detailed below.
Tuition and Fees
If you were wondering how much the tuition cost for Tennessee State University is, here are some recent data that will come in handy.
Tuition fees for area resident were $7,800, as reported by public county or municipal institutions. For students who don't live in the state in which the university is located, the tuition was $21,600 in 2025. If you are an international student at Tennessee State University, you should know that the 2025 tuition came to $21,600, as well. Fees per academic year required of full-time students amounted to $1,248 in 2025.
| Category | Tuition | Fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Out-of-State | $21,600 | $1,248 | $22,848 |
| In-State | $7,800 | $1,248 | $9,048 |
Boarding
When choosing a college, you should factor in the price of a dorm room and meals at the school cafeteria. What is the typical amount colleges and universities charge for room and board?
In 2025, room and board cost at Tennessee State University amounted to $9,394 a year. Room-only (on campus) cost per academic year at this school reached $4,322, according to the data from 2025.
| Expense Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $ 7,800 |
| Room and Board | $ 9,394 |
| Total Expense | $ 17,194 |
Financial Aid
Be it a grant, loan, scholarship, or work-study program, any type of financial aid can be a great deal for many students. Check out some recent data to get informed about need-based and non-need-based monetary aid you might get at Tennessee State University.
The most recent records show that 715 freshmen received some sort of financial help. The average financial aid package awarded to students totaled $15,582.
Need-based
Financial aid that a student can receive if they are determined to have financial need and meet other eligibility requirements is known as need-based aid.
2,761 students received some form of need-based financial aid. Need-based college-administered scholarship and grant aid at Tennessee State University is available to international students. The total number of students (including freshmen) who were determined to have financial need was 3,536. The amount of federal need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the students at this institution summed up to $19,727,354, and state $1,433,294.
$13,030
Average Amount of Aid Received
Non-Need Based
Non-need-based aid is any type of financial aid given to a student who does not meet the requirements for need-based aid. Most students get non-need-based financial aid as Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, Parent PLUS Loans, and the TEACH Grant.
2,100 students, including freshmen, got institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid at this school in 2025. Institutional help in the form of non-need-based scholarships or grants was given to 440 full-time freshmen. The total amount of non-need-based institutional scholarships/grants was $25,323,701. This includes endowment, alumni, other institutional awards, and also external funds awarded by the institution, but doesn't include athletic aid and tuition waivers. The amount the students of this school received from external sources (e.g. Kiwanis, National Merit) was $232,379 USD.
Majors
Faculty
11:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
Getting information about the faculty at a school can help you estimate the quality of education you will receive there.
In 2025, this ratio at Tennessee State University was 11:1. That means that there were 11 times more students than teachers at this school. The faculty of this school consists of 565 members, according to the most recent data reported.
Campus Life
Knowing what to expect out of campus life at a college or university can set you up for success. Find out some information about social life at Tennessee State University.
It has a campus size of 500 acres.
Student Organizations
Exploring a variety of student organizations can contribute to a more vibrant and rewarding educational experience.
This number includes sororities and fraternities. The student organization that gathers the largest number of students is Alpha Phi Omega, followed by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and Alpha Kappa Psi Fraternity Inc.. Other popular organizations at Tennessee State University are Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and All World Campus Ministries.
If you are interested in music, you can join the Tennessee State University band or chorus. If acting is an interest of yours, there is a drama club you can join. You have a talent for media and communication? Tennessee State University publishes its own newspaper and has its own radio station.
Student Services
At Tennessee State University, there are many amenities required for a pleasant and safe life on campus.
There are 24-hour emergency phone and alarm devices. There is a 24-hour security patrol. This school has a health clinic with personal/psychological counseling. In addition, other services like Veteran's Affairs and Women's Center are available to the students of Tennessee State University.
All in all, campus life at Tennessee State University is rich and vibrant and provides everything most students need.
Career Services
Having career services at a college or university can mean a great deal for your career planning, so find out what you can expect at Tennessee State University.
Career Counselling
At Tennessee State University, there is both group career counseling for all students and individual career counseling for all students. There are a library, a job bank, and job fairs. Job interviews are also available to students through the career center. The career center offers resume preparation and resume referral to employers. There is campus employer recruitment for all the students. This school offers alumni networking opportunities, which could be excellent for your future career. Individual job placement is available to all students at this school.
Job Placement
Having an understanding of the anticipated earnings after completing your education can be important in evaluating if a certain institution is compatible with your professional goals.
The average base annual starting salary of the students who were employed within six months of graduation at this institution is 51,916 USD.
$51,916
Average Starting Salary After 6 Months of Graduation
FAQ
-
Tennessee State University is located in Nashville, TN.
-
Tennessee State University offers need-based college-administered scholarship and grant aid to international students.
-
This school uses standardized test scores for admission.
-
According to the latest information, the acceptance rate for Tennessee State University is 70%.
-
The most recent reported freshman retention rate for Tennessee State University is 33.5%.
Contact Information
Tennessee State University
3500 John A Meritt Blvd
Nashville , TN
37209-1561
615 963-5000
Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2025 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved.
Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.
Find the best schools for you.
Need help with choosing grad school? We got you.
Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2025 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved.
Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.
