Tennessee State University: A Comprehensive Guide to Admissions and Opportunities
Tennessee State University (TSU), founded in 1912, stands as Nashville's only public university. It is a historically black university and land-grant institution committed to providing students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment. TSU prepares its alumni to be global leaders in every facet of society, adhering to its motto, “Excellence is our habit.” This commitment extends beyond the classroom, with a strong emphasis on student research and real-world solutions.
Overview of Tennessee State University
Ranked among the top National Universities and recognized for its performance in social mobility, Tennessee State University offers a medium-sized, urban campus experience. The university's undergraduate enrollment is 5,057 (fall 2024). TSU offers 39 bachelor's degree programs, 25 master's degree programs, one specialist's degree, and seven doctoral degrees.
Key Facts
- Location: Urban setting in a large city
- Campus Size: 500 acres
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
- Academic Calendar: Semester-based
- In-State Tuition and Fees: $8,616
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $22,416
- Financial Aid: 78% of first-year students receive need-based financial aid
- Average Net Price (Federal Loan Recipients): $11,643
Academics and Research
TSU is designated as an R2 doctoral university with high research activity by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions. The university is known as the highest-ranked public research institution in middle Tennessee.
Research Opportunities
Students frequently engage in cutting-edge studies leading to real-world solutions in health sciences, biotechnology, business, and more. A great deal of this research occurs in the university’s College of Health Sciences. Students in Health Sciences can take advantage of Nashville’s thriving health care community, with exceptional clinical placement opportunities in private hospitals that contract with the university.
Notable Programs
- College of Health Sciences: One of the largest in the nation, offering degrees such as a master’s in Physical Therapy.
- School of Engineering and Technology: Features state-of-the-art learning facilities and partnerships with NASA, Raytheon, and General Motors.
- HBCU C2 Initiative: Focuses on coding and creative experiences for students and faculty using Apple’s Swift programming platform.
Other Areas of Study
Agriculture, business, education, liberal arts, and public service are also areas of study at TSU. The university also offers an Air Force ROTC curriculum.
Read also: Your Guide to ETSU Academics
Admissions at Tennessee State University
Tennessee State University has a 91% acceptance rate. This means the university is not selective, and applicants have a great shot at getting in, as long as they don't fall well below average.
Acceptance Rate
- Acceptance Rate: 91% (Note: Another source indicates a 70.2% acceptance rate, suggesting potential variations in data reporting.)
Application Deadline
- Application Deadline: August 1
Required Materials
- High School GPA (Required)
- College Prep Courses (Recommended)
- SAT/ACT Scores (Required for some)
GPA Considerations
The average GPA at Tennessee State University is 3.38. While it's OK to be a B-average student, with some A's mixed in, a GPA at or below the school average may require a higher SAT score to compensate.
- GPA Range of Admitted Students:
- 3.75+: 24%
- 3.50-3.74: 19%
- 3.25-3.49: 22%
- 3.00-3.24: 13%
- 2.50-2.99: 19%
- 2.00-2.49: 4%
- Below 2.00: At least 1%
Standardized Testing
Tennessee State requires SAT/ACT scores for some applicants. Half of the applicants admitted to Tennessee State who submitted test scores have an SAT score between 880 and 1050 or an ACT score between 16 and 21.
- SAT Score Range: 880-1050 (for middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
- ACT Score Range: 16-21 (for middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
What is Considered?
- High School GPA (Required)
- High School Rank (Considered but not required)
- College Prep Courses (Recommended)
- Recommendations (Neither required nor recommended)
Campus Life and Student Opportunities
Tennessee State University provides a comprehensive campus life with various opportunities for students to grow and engage.
Campus Environment
The university is located in an urban setting, offering students access to the cultural and professional opportunities of Nashville.
Read also: University of Tennessee GPA Requirements
Upcoming Events
The Big Blue family prepares for the 2025 Homecoming celebration, set for Oct. 12-18.
Research Centers
Located at Avon Williams Off-Campus Instructional Site, the TSU Smart & Applied A.I. Research Center is your hub for hands-on learning, innovation, and workforce development.
New Facilities
Tennessee State University is constructing a nearly 70,000-square-foot engineering building.
Financials and Outcomes
Understanding the costs associated with attending Tennessee State University and the potential outcomes for graduates is important for prospective students.
Tuition and Fees
- In-State Tuition and Fees: $8,616
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $22,416
- Average Net Price (Federal Loan Recipients): $11,643
Financial Aid
Seventy-eight percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid.
Read also: Remembrance and Progress
Graduation and Salary
- Four-Year Graduation Rate: 22%
- Six Years After Graduation, the Median Salary for Graduates: $34,160
- Average Salary: According to Payscale.com, TSU graduates earn on average $66,000 annually.
High Earning Graduates
Nursing, physical therapy, and information technology students earn the most.
Notable Alumni
The university has a long list of notable alumni, including:
- Media mogul Oprah Winfrey
- Black Aviation Hall of Famer, Kansas senator, and Civil Rights activist U.L. “Rip” Gooch
- Leonard Jordan, acting chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
tags: #tennessee #state #university #acceptance #rate
