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Tennessee State University

Nashville, Tennessee — 3500 John A. Merritt Blvd, 37209-1561

Annual Tuition $8,568
Enrollment 6,498
Acceptance Rate 92.6%
Median Salary $42,730

Tennessee State University is a leading Public institution located in Nashville, Tennessee. Established to provide high-quality education, Tennessee State University offers a range of programs and is recognized for its commitment to student success and academic excellence in the United States region.

Tennessee State University Quick Facts
Federal Aid Approval 12/1/1965
Location Nashville, Tennessee
Type Public
Total Enrollment 6,498 students
Median Salary $42,730

Tennessee State University — Institution Overview

Institution Name Tennessee State University
Location Nashville, Tennessee
Official Website https://www.tnstate.edu/
Address 3500 John A. Merritt Blvd
Nashville, TN 37209-1561
Institution Type Public
Total Students 6,498

Tennessee State University Admissions Process

Acceptance Rate 92.6% Open Admission
Avg. SAT Score 1,017 out of 1600
ACT Midpoint N/A

SAT Score Breakdown

Section Average 25th %ile 75th %ile
Math — 423 530
Evidence-Based Reading — 433 538

Tennessee State University Tuition Fees and Costs

In-State Tuition $8,568
Out-of-State Tuition $22,284
Pell Grant Rate 51.8%
Median Debt (Completers) $27,000

The Real Cost

Average net price after aid, grouped by household income.

Net price after aid

Tennessee State University cost by family income

These are the average out-of-pocket costs after grants and scholarships, based on U.S. Department of Education reporting.

Family income $0 - $30,000 $9,239/yr
Family income $30,001 - $48,000 $9,436/yr
Family income $48,001 - $75,000 $11,079/yr
Family income $75,001 - $110,000 $16,738/yr

Low-income families under $30k pay an average of $9,239 per year. This band often benefits most from Pell Grants and institutional aid.

Calculate your personal aid

Opens the official Federal Student Aid Estimator.

Admission Chance

Compare your SAT or ACT score with the middle 50% of enrolled students.

92.6% acceptance rate

Is Tennessee State University hard to get into?

SAT score range

856 - 1,068

25th to 75th percentile of enrolled students

Math423 - 530
Reading433 - 538

ACT score range

16 - 21

25th to 75th percentile of enrolled students

Check your admission chances

Enter your score to see whether this school is a reach, target, or safety option.

Major Spotlight

Top programs by early-career earnings from this institution.

Top 3 by early salary

Based on median earnings two years after graduation from Tennessee State University, using U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data.

1

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. salary after Tennessee State University

Master's Degree
High earning
2yr salary $87,815 median/yr
Median debt Not published program debt data
Salary/debt Salary-led debt data unavailable
1yr: $96,748 4yr: $97,504
2

Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. salary after Tennessee State University

Doctoral Degree
Strong earning
2yr salary $69,785 median/yr
Median debt Not published program debt data
Salary/debt Salary-led debt data unavailable
1yr: $73,220 4yr: $79,922
3

Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. salary after Tennessee State University

Master's Degree
Strong earning
2yr salary $66,401 median/yr
Median debt Not published program debt data
Salary/debt Salary-led debt data unavailable
1yr: $61,651 4yr: $73,169

Salary data reflects U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard reporting.

Tennessee State University Acceptance Rate and Enrollment Statistics

92.6% Open Admission

Acceptance rate based on 2026 U.S. Department of Education data.

Total Students 6,498
Undergrad 5,065
Retention Rate 60.2% full-time
Full-Time Students 90.6%

Courses and Academic Programs at Tennessee State University

10 programs
Program Name
Degree
Graduates
Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Bachelor's
Graduates 263
Criminal Justice and Corrections.
Bachelor's
Graduates 132
Communication and Media Studies.
Bachelor's
Graduates 127
Psychology, General.
Bachelor's
Graduates 124
Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Master's
Graduates 111
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.
Bachelor's
Graduates 110
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other.
Bachelor's
Graduates 106
Health and Physical Education/Fitness.
Bachelor's
Graduates 97
Public Health.
Bachelor's
Graduates 85
Biology, General.
Bachelor's
Graduates 80
Showing top 10 of 74 programs by graduates

Career Opportunities and Alumni Network at Tennessee State University

Median Salary (10 yrs after entry) $42,730 U.S. Dept. of Education
Median (6 yrs) $34,160
Graduation Rate 33% 4-year (150%)
4-Year Graduation Rate
Graduate Earnings Timeline — Tennessee State University
Timeframe After Entry Median Earnings
6 Years After Entry $34,160
10 Years After Entry $42,730
Is Tennessee State University Worth It? — ROI Analysis 2026
Average Net Price $10,026
Median Career Earnings (10 yrs) $42,730
3-Year Loan Repayment Rate 498100%

Campus Life and Student Facilities at Tennessee State University

Total Students 6,498
Undergrad 5,065
Graduate 1,433
Retention Rate 60.2% full-time

Gender Breakdown

65.8%
34.2%
Women Men

Enrollment Type

Full-time 90.6%
Full-time Part-time

Diversity & Ethnicity

Black
85%
White
4.6%
Two or More Races
2.7%
Hispanic
2.7%
Unknown / Unreported
2.5%
International
1.7%
Asian
0.8%
American Indian / Alaska Native
0.1%
Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
0%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 22
🎓
First-Generation 37.4%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 81.2%
🎖️
Veterans 0.3%
💍
Married Students 5.6%
📅
Students Age 25+ 7.5%
🔄
Retention (Part-time) 25%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $53,809
Average Family Income $34,433
Median Family Income $25,504

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

52.8%
47.2%
Women Men
Student-Faculty Ratio 13:1 students per faculty member

Scholarships and Grants at Tennessee State University

Tennessee State University participates in federal financial aid programs. The data below is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education and reflects the most recently available award year. Students should contact the financial aid office directly for current scholarship opportunities, institutional grants, and merit-based awards.

Pell Grant Rate 51.8% of students
Federal Loan Rate 39.2% of students
Avg Net Price $10,026 after aid
Median Debt $27,000 completers

Average Net Price by Family Income

Income Bracket Net Price / Year

Student Debt Overview

Median Debt — Completers $27,000
Cumulative Debt — 25th Percentile $5,500
Cumulative Debt — 75th Percentile $30,319

Financial aid availability, grant amounts, and scholarship criteria change each award year. Contact Tennessee State University's financial aid office or visit the official website for current deadlines and eligibility requirements.

Tennessee State University Rankings and Accreditation

Institution Type Public
Geographic Region United States
Title IV Federal Aid Approval 12/1/1965
4-Year Graduation Rate 33%
Median Graduate Salary $42,730
Data Source U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard & IPEDS (2026)

Institutional accreditation status is maintained by regional and national accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Federal Title IV approval (above) confirms Tennessee State University meets eligibility requirements for federal student aid programs including Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and work-study.

Housing and Campus Location for Tennessee State University

Frequently Asked Questions about Tennessee State University

What is the acceptance rate at Tennessee State University?

Tennessee State University has an acceptance rate of 92.6%, making it an accessible institution with moderate admissions standards.

How much is tuition at Tennessee State University?

Tuition at Tennessee State University is $8,568 per year. Net price and financial aid options may reduce this cost significantly depending on individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for graduates of Tennessee State University?

Graduates of Tennessee State University earn a median salary of $42,730 per year, based on 2026 U.S. Department of Education earnings data.

Where is Tennessee State University located?

Tennessee State University is located at 3500 John A. Merritt Blvd, Nashville, Tennessee 37209-1561. The campus is situated in the United States region of the United States.

Contact Facts

Data sourced from 2026 US Dept. of Ed

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