Tennessee State University

Nashville, TN · Public · 4-year · HBCU

Tennessee State University has a 92.6% acceptance rate. Tennessee State University is a public 4-year institution in Nashville, TN, with a median SAT of 960 and a median ACT of 19. The average net price is $15,796 per year after financial aid, and it is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.

Admissions Statistics

Acceptance Rate

92.6%

12,890 applicants

SAT Median

960

Combined score

ACT Median

19

Composite score

Avg Net Price

$15,796

After financial aid

SAT & ACT Scores at Tennessee State University

Middle-50% test scores of admitted students at Tennessee State University (25th to 75th percentile), per federal IPEDS data:

Test25th percentileMedian75th percentile
SAT (total, 400–1600)8569601050
ACT (composite, 1–36)161921

Student Outcomes

Graduation Rate

0.3%

Retention Rate

33.5%

Median Earnings (10yr)

N/A

Student Body

4,848

Net Price by Family Income

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships at Tennessee State University:

Family IncomeAvg Net Price/Year
$0 – $30,000$15,005
$30,001 – $48,000$15,840
$48,001 – $75,000$15,579
$75,001 – $110,000$20,624
$110,000+$20,099

Top Majors at Tennessee State University

MajorDegrees Awarded
Business, Management & Marketing133
Health Professions126
Psychology48
Agriculture & Natural Resources47
Biological & Biomedical Sciences45
Engineering42
Homeland Security & Criminal Justice40
Social Sciences37
Education35
Communication & Journalism34

Financial Aid at Tennessee State University

About Tennessee State University

Official website: https://www.tnstate.edu/

Admissions: https://www.tnstate.edu/admissions/

Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee State University

What is the acceptance rate at Tennessee State University?

Tennessee State University has an acceptance rate of 93%. it received about 12,890 applications in a recent year; admitted students have a median SAT near 960; the average net price is $15,796 per year. Admit Coach estimates your personal odds of admission to Tennessee State University for free using your GPA and test scores.

How hard is it to get into Tennessee State University?

Getting into Tennessee State University is accessible for most qualified applicants — it admits 93% of applicants. Admitted students typically have a median SAT around 960. Your odds depend on how your GPA and scores compare to admitted students. Admit Coach calculates your specific chance at Tennessee State University for free and labels it a reach, target, or safety school.

What SAT or ACT scores do you need for Tennessee State University?

Admitted students at Tennessee State University typically have a median SAT around 960 and a median ACT around 19. With a 93% acceptance rate, competitive applicants usually score at or above these medians. Tennessee State University is located in Nashville, TN. Enter your scores in Admit Coach to see whether you land in the reach, target, or safety range.

How much does it cost to attend Tennessee State University?

The average net price at Tennessee State University is $15,796 per year after grants and scholarships. about 94% of students receive financial aid; the average grant or scholarship is $15,589 per year. Net price varies by family income — Admit Coach shows the estimate for your specific income bracket.

What is the graduation rate at Tennessee State University?

Tennessee State University has a graduation rate of 0%. its first-year retention rate is 34%. These federal outcome metrics let you compare Tennessee State University against similar colleges on Admit Coach.

Is Tennessee State University test-optional?

For the 2025–26 cycle, Tennessee State University is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Students who do submit scores typically have a median SAT near 960. With a 93% acceptance rate, a strong overall application matters most. Admit Coach factors Tennessee State University's testing policy into your free admission-chance estimate.

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