Government-Verified Education Data

Tennessee State University

Q: How much does Tennessee State University cost?

In-state tuition is $8,568 and out-of-state tuition is $22,284 per year.

Q: What do Tennessee State University graduates earn?

The median earnings 5 years after graduation is $34,160 and 10 years after is $42,730.

Q: What percentage of students at Tennessee State University take federal loans?

39.2% of students take out federal loans.

Q: What is the enrollment at Tennessee State University?

Tennessee State University has a total enrollment of 6,498 students (public institution). That is about 4× the national median of 1,556 students for U.S. degree-granting institutions.

Q: How much is out-of-state tuition at Tennessee State University?

Out-of-state tuition at Tennessee State University is $22,284 per year, compared with $8,568 for in-state students — a difference of $13,716. That is 16% below the national median of $26,585 for out-of-state tuition nationally.

Q: What SAT score do you need to get into Tennessee State University?

Admitted students at Tennessee State University typically score between 880 and 1050 on the SAT (middle 50%), with an average composite score of 1000. Reading/writing range: 460–540; math range: 420–510.

Q: What ACT score do you need to get into Tennessee State University?

The middle 50% of admitted students at Tennessee State University score between 16 and 21 on the ACT.

Q: How do Tennessee State University graduates' earnings compare to the national median?

Graduates of Tennessee State University earn a median of $42,730 ten years after entry — 21% below the national median of $54,122 across 1,889 U.S. institutions in the College Scorecard. That is higher than 14% of ranked U.S. colleges.

Nashville, Tennessee · Public

Compare ROI Analysis

Avg Earnings (5yr)

$34,160

Acceptance Rate

93%

Graduation Rate

33%

Annual Tuition

$8,568

Quick answer

According to U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data on USACollegeData.com (2024-25 College Scorecard release), graduates of Tennessee State University earn a median of $42,730 ten years after entry — 21% below the national median. Acceptance rate 92.6%, average SAT score 1000, in-state tuition $8,568.

At a Glance

Total Students

6,498

Retention Rate

60%

Faculty Ratio

Financial Aid

39%

Median Debt

$27,000

Campus Setting

City

Institution Type

Public

Admissions: SAT & ACT Scores

Average SAT Score

1,000

SAT Reading/Writing (middle 50%)

460–540

SAT Math (middle 50%)

420–510

ACT Composite (middle 50%)

16–21

Institution Overview

Tennessee State University is a public institution in Nashville with an acceptance rate of 92.6%. The university has a student body of 6498. The in-state tuition is $8568. The median debt for graduates is $27000, and 39.2% of students receive financial aid.

The university's graduation rate is 32.7%, and the retention rate is 60.2%. Graduates' median earnings one year after graduation are $36092, five years after graduation are $34160, and ten years after graduation are $42730.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

Earning Projection Over Time

$36k

1 YEAR

$34k

5 YEARS

$43k

10 YEARS

Top 86% in Earnings

Graduate Outcomes

One year after graduation, Tennessee State University alumni earn a median of $36,092. Five years after graduation, median earnings decrease to $34,160. However, ten years after graduation, median earnings increase to $42,730. The median debt for graduates is $27,000.

Tennessee State University has a 92.6% acceptance rate. The graduation rate is 32.7%, and the retention rate is 60.2%. The in-state tuition is $8,568. A total of 39.2% of students receive financial aid.