Public Institution

Tennessee State University — Nashville, Tennessee

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Annual Tuition $8,568

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 92.6%

Open Admission

Enrollment 6,498

Active Students

Avg. Salary $42,730

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Nashville, Tennessee

Institution type Public

Accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"Tennessee State University stands as a pillar of higher education in Nashville, providing a robust academic foundation for 6,498 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus

Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Tennessee State University offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Tennessee State University. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Health Professions

20.2%

Enrollment Share

Business & Marketing

18.7%

Enrollment Share

Communications

6.6%

Enrollment Share

Engineering

6.4%

Enrollment Share

Education

5.8%

Enrollment Share

Psychology

5.4%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Communications College

The Communications program at Tennessee State University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Engineering College

The Engineering curriculum focuses on innovation and real-world problem solving...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Education College

We develop educators who are passionate about transforming classrooms...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Psychology College

Our Psychology program offers deep insights into human behavior...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Tennessee State University?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 92.6%

Difficulty Low

Tennessee State University maintains an acceptance rate of 92.6%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 34.2%

Women Enrollment 65.8%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT

ACT

SAT Reading 433 - 538

SAT Mathematics 423 - 530

ACT English 14 - 21

ACT Mathematics 15 - 20

Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does Tennessee State University cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $8,568

Out-of-State Tuition $22,284

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 51.8%

Median Student Debt $27,000

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $8,568, graduates see a median starting salary of $42,730, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Tennessee.

What salary can Tennessee State University graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $42,730

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 33%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $10,026

Median Salary (6yr) $34,160

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average

Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Tennessee State University in Nashville?

6,498 Students

Gender Comparison

34.2% Men

65.8% Women

Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

60.2%

Retention First-year

Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian

0.1%

Pacific Islander

Asian

0.8%

Black

85%

White

4.6%

Unknown

2.5%

Hispanic

2.7%

Two or More Races

2.7%

International

1.7%

Campus Demographics

🎂

Avg. Age at Entry 22

🎓

First-Generation 37.4%

💰

Receive Pell Grant 81.2%

🎖️

Veterans 0.3%

💍

Married Students 5.6%

🔄

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

Premium Campus Location

Explore the Nashville Campus Environment

Located at 3500 John A. Merritt Blvd, Tennessee State University offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Tennessee. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan

Access High Connectivity

Get Directions Open in Google Maps

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How does Tennessee State University compare?

Direct Comparison Tennessee State University vs American Baptist College →

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Direct Comparison Tennessee State University vs Fisk University →

Common Questions about Tennessee State University

Is Tennessee State University a good college in Nashville, Tennessee?

Tennessee State University is a recognized institution in Nashville with an enrollment of 6,498 students. It is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and offers a robust ROI for students in Tennessee based on Department of Education data.

Is Tennessee State University worth attending in 2026?

Yes, Tennessee State University offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $42,730. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.

How much does Tennessee State University cost for Tennessee residents in 2026?

For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Tennessee State University is approximately $8,568. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $22,284. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.

What is the real cost of Tennessee State University after financial aid and FAFSA?

The real cost of attending Tennessee State University for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 81.2% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.

Is Tennessee State University good for Health Professions and Business & Marketing programs?

Tennessee State University is highly regarded for its Health Professions and Business & Marketing programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.

What career can I get after attending Tennessee State University?

Graduates of Tennessee State University often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Health Professions. With a median salary of $42,730, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.

What are the admission requirements for Tennessee State University?

Tennessee State University operates with a Open Admission policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.

Does Tennessee State University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

No, Tennessee State University follows a open admission policy for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.

What salary can Tennessee State University graduates expect after 10 years?

Graduates of Tennessee State University earn a median salary of $42,730 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.

Is Tennessee State University a good investment compared to other TN colleges?

Tennessee State University stands out as a high-value investment in Tennessee. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.

Where is Tennessee State University located and what is the campus like?

Tennessee State University is located at 3500 John A. Merritt Blvd in Nashville, TN. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 6,498 learners.

Who typically attends Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN?

The student body at Tennessee State University is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 37.4% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.

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2026 Rankings: Tennessee

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Tennessee State University with other leading institutions in Tennessee across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

Nursing

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