# Tennessee State University

Nashville, TN. Source page: https://www.dreamschool.co/colleges/tennessee-state-university

Tennessee State University is a public college in Nashville, TN with 4,848 undergraduates. It admits 70% of applicants, and admitted students average 1000 on the SAT. The average net price after aid is $12,154 per year ($11,076 for families earning under $30,000). 34% of students graduate, and graduates earn a median of $47,151 ten years after enrolling.

## Key facts

| Measure | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Admission rate | 70% (Fall 2024) |
| Testing policy | Test scores required (Fall 2024) |
| Applicants | 12,890 (Fall 2023) |
| Admitted | 11,940 (Fall 2023) |
| SAT Reading & Writing (middle 50%) | 460–540 (Fall 2024) |
| SAT Math (middle 50%) | 420–510 (Fall 2024) |
| ACT Composite (middle 50%) | 16–21 (Fall 2024) |
| Cost of attendance | $25,814 (2024-25) |
| Average net price | $12,154 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $0–30k | $11,076 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $30–48k | $13,897 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $48–75k | $10,833 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $75–110k | $15,005 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $110k+ | $14,917 (2024-25) |
| Undergraduates | 4,848 (Fall 2024) |
| Graduation rate | 34% (Fall 2019) |
| Median earnings 10 years after enrolling | $47,151 (2023) |
| Median debt at graduation | $24,250 (FY2024) |

## What Tennessee State University considers in admissions (Fall 2023)

- High school record: Required
- High school GPA: Required
- College-prep coursework: Considered
- Class rank: Not considered
- Essay or personal statement: Considered
- Recommendations: Considered
- Demonstrated competencies: Considered
- Legacy status: Not considered
- Work experience: Considered
- English proficiency test: Considered

## FAQ

**What is Tennessee State University's acceptance rate?**

Tennessee State University admits 70% of applicants, which makes it accessible.

**What SAT score do you need for Tennessee State University?**

The middle 50% of admitted students scored 460–540 on SAT Reading and Writing and 420–510 on SAT Math; the average total is 1000.

**What ACT score do you need for Tennessee State University?**

The middle 50% ACT composite range for admitted students is 16–21.

**Is Tennessee State University test optional?**

Test scores required.

**How many students apply to Tennessee State University?**

In Fall 2023, 12,890 students applied to Tennessee State University and 11,940 were admitted; 1,770 enrolled.

**Does Tennessee State University consider legacy status?**

No. Tennessee State University reported that legacy status is not considered in admissions (Fall 2023).

**Does Tennessee State University require an essay?**

Tennessee State University reported that an essay or personal statement is considered for admission (Fall 2023).

**How much does Tennessee State University cost?**

The sticker cost of attendance is $25,814 per year, but the average net price after grants and scholarships is $12,154.

**What is Tennessee State University's graduation rate?**

34% of full-time students graduate within 150% of normal time.


## Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (Most Recent Institution-Level Data), released 2026-10-15: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/data/
- IPEDS Admissions survey (ADM2023): https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/datacenter/DataFiles.aspx
- IPEDS unit ID 221838. Methodology: https://www.dreamschool.co/methodology