About

About Tennessee State University

hbcudoctoral research universityhealth sciences focuspublic institution

Tennessee State University is a public research university in Nashville, TN, known for its HBCU designation, health sciences focus, and public institution. TSU offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $11,839 per year; the sticker price of $37,188 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Tennessee State University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

3.25
Typical Admitted GPA

Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Tennessee State University

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Test Score Strategy
Tennessee State University requires test scores, so make sure your SAT or ACT results are sent officially through College Board or ACT before your application deadline. Order your score reports early to avoid processing delays.
Essay Strategy
TSU is a historically Black university with a strong identity rooted in community, service, and excellence, so use your essay to show genuine understanding of what an HBCU environment means to you and how you plan to contribute to that community specifically.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Tennessee State University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceAvg. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$37k/yr$15.0k
30k-48k~$37k/yr$15.8k
48k-75k~$37k/yr$15.6k
75k-110k~$37k/yr$20.6k
110k+~$37k/yr$20.1k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

33%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$34k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
12:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
5,283
Undergrad Enrollment

Student Body

Student body composition

Race & Ethnicity

85%Black / African American
4%White
3%Hispanic
3%Two or More Races
2%International
2%Unknown / Unreported
1%Asian
Gender35% Men · 66% Women
Citizenship / Immigration Status98% Citizens and Immigrants · 2% International
TSU, Nashville Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch