Tennessee State Academic Snapshot
Admission Selectiveness:
- Admission Rate: 70.11%. Moderately selective, indicating a less competitive admission process.
- SAT Average: 960. Below average SAT scores, indicating a less competitive applicant pool.
Tuition Overview:
- In-State Tuition: $8,616
- Out-of-State Tuition: $22,416
- In-state tuition is affordable, while out-of-state tuition is higher, as is typical for public institutions.
Student Population at Tennessee State:
- Total Enrollment: 6,310, including 490 online students
- 5,057 Undergraduate, 1,253 Graduate
- Gender Distribution: 34.6% men, 65.4% women.
- This is a lower medium-sized institution, balancing resources and a sense of community.
Graduation & Retention Rate
- Graduation Rate: 34%. Lower graduation rate, which may reflect challenges in student retention or completion.
- Transfer-Out Rate: 2%. Few students transfer out, suggesting most students remain through graduation.
- First-Year Retention Rate: 33%. Lower retention, which may reflect challenges in student engagement or support.
Programs & Degrees Offered
- Programs Offered: 86 academic programs available.
- Online Programs: 13 programs available fully online.
- Graduate Programs: 33 graduate-level programs offered.
- Special Programs: Health Professions.
- Degrees Awarded: Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, Doctor's.
Tennessee State Overview
Tennessee State University (Tennessee State) is a four-year, public school located in Nashville, TN. It is a historically black college/university. It is classified as Research University with high research activity by Carnegie Classification, also known as R2 University. You can compare their tuition and admission statistics at R2 University comparison page.
The Tennessee State's tuition & fees is $8,616 for Tennessee residents and $22,416 for out-of-state students for the academic year 2024-2025. 73% of the enrolled undergraduates have received grants or scholarships, with an average aid amount of $13,650.
The school has a total enrollment of 6,310 and the students to faculty ratio is 13 to 1 (7.69%).
Tennessee State's acceptance rate is 70.11% and the yield (enrollment rate) is 12.99%. The median SAT score is 960 and the ACT score is 19.
Tennessee State ranked 274th in National Universities and 23rd in Tennessee Colleges rankings. Tennessee State University is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
2025 Tuition & Fees and 2026 Estimation
For undergraduate programs, the 2025 tuition & fees of Tennessee State University is $8,616 for in-state students and $22,416 for out-of-state students. For graduate programs, its 2025 tuition & fees is $11,188 for in-state students and $23,808 for out-of-state students.
The estimated 2026 tuition & fees for prospective students is $8,664 for Tennessee residents and $22,549 for out-of-state students based on the current year tuition changes from last year. The estimated 2026 graduate school tuition & fees is $11,285 for Tennessee residents and $24,104 for out-of-state students.
| In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|
| Undergraduate | $8,616 | $22,416 |
|---|
| Graduate | $11,188 | $23,808 |
|---|
| In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|
| Undergraduate | $8,664 | $22,549 |
|---|
| Graduate | $11,285 | $24,104 |
|---|
The estimation for 2025-2026 tuition costs is based on the cost change rates of last year.
Learning Opportunities and Campus Services
Tennessee State University offers online classes (distance learning opportunities) for both undergraduate and graduate programs. It has ROTC programs and offers teacher certification programs designed to prepare students to meet the requirements for certification as teachers.
Special Learning Opportunities at Tennessee State
| Learning Opportunities |
|---|
| ROTC | Army, Air Force |
|---|
| Weekend/Evening College | Yes |
|---|
| Teacher Certification | Yes |
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| Study Abroad | Yes |
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| On-Campus Services |
|---|
| Academic/career counseling service | Yes |
|---|
| Employment services for students | Yes |
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| Placement services for completers | Yes |
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| On-campus day care for students' children | Yes |
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Tennessee State University Directory Information
Tools for analyzing and comparing Tennessee State