Mahadev Maitri Foundation
US Initiatives
Public4-yearHBCU

Tennessee State University

Nashville, Tennessee Β· City: LargeOfficial Website β†—

#3990
Nationally
#102
In Tennessee
93%
Acceptance Rate
Nat'l avg 70%
$7,320
In-State Tuition
per year
34%
6-Year Grad Rate
Nat'l avg 63%
6,765
Undergrad Enrollment
5,000–9,999
Overall Score & Rankings
39/100
Below Average
#3990 nationally
#102 in Tennessee
πŸŽ“Graduation Outcomes34
πŸ’°Affordability50
🎯Selectivity40
πŸ“šAcademic Environment7
πŸ”¬Program Breadth72

Scores based on IPEDS 2023–24 federal data. Methodology β†’

Tennessee State University, a historically Black college and university, is a public four-year university located in Nashville, Tennessee. With 6,765 undergraduate students enrolled and an acceptance rate of 93%, the institution is considered accessible. In-state tuition is $7,320 per year ($21,036 out-of-state), below average for public institutions. The six-year graduation rate is 34%, which is below average compared to the national average of 63%.

Admissions
Acceptance Rate93%↓ Below avg
National avg: 70%
12,890
Applied
11,940
Admitted
1,770
Enrolled
SAT Score Range (Middle 50%)
SAT Reading433 – 538
Middle 50% of admitted students (max 800)
SAT Math423 – 530
Middle 50% of admitted students (max 800)
ACT Score Range (Middle 50%)16 – 21
Cost & Financial Aid
In-State Tuition$7,320/yr
In-State Fees$1,248/yr
Out-of-State Tuition$21,036/yr
Room & Board$11,720/yr
Total CoA (In-State)$20,288/yr
Total CoA (Out-of-State)$34,004/yr
In-State Tuition vs National Avg$7,320↑ Above avg
National avg: $10,662
Graduation Outcomes
6-Year Graduation Rate34%↓ Below avg
National avg: 63%

The six-year graduation rate measures students who earn their degree within 150% of normal time (6 years for a 4-year program). It is the federal standard for comparing outcomes across institutions.

Student Body
6,765
Total Undergrads
66% F / 34% M
Gender Split
Student Diversity
White 5%
Hispanic 3%
Black 82%
Asian 1%
Two or more 3%
International 3%
Native / Other 0%
Strengths & Considerations
Strengths
  • βœ“Tuition ($7,320/yr) is well below the national average for public colleges
  • βœ“Open admissions policy (93% acceptance rate) β€” accessible to a wide range of students
  • βœ“Publicly funded institution β€” tuition subsidized by state taxes for in-state residents
Consider
  • Β·Graduation rate of 34% is below the national average β€” research completion support services
Who Is This College Best For?

This college is a strong fit for students seeking an accessible path to a college degree, and in-state students who want a quality education at a subsidized cost.

Institution Profile
Type4-year
ControlPublic
LocationNashville, Tennessee
SettingCity: Large
Size5,000–9,999
HBCUYes
State Ranking
#102
in Tennessee out of 7+ colleges
#3990
nationally
Data Source

All data sourced from the NCES IPEDS 2023–24 collection. Acceptance rates, test scores, and graduation rates reflect the most recent year reported. Scores are composite rankings calculated from five weighted dimensions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Data notice: All figures are sourced from IPEDS 2023–24 federal data. Tuition, acceptance rates, and enrollment figures change annually. Always verify current information directly with the institution. Net price figures are averages and individual aid packages will vary. Composite scores and rankings are calculated by SchoolRankings.org and are not affiliated with U.S. News, Forbes, or any government agency.