PublicUrbanHBCUTennessee State University
Nashville, Tennessee 37209-1561
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for health sciences — excellent value
Tennessee State University is a public institution in Nashville with particular strength in health sciences and business. With an average SAT of 1017, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A mid-sized campus of 6.5K undergraduates with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
33% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $42,730 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $10,026.
Rankings
More About This School
History & Fun Facts
- •History The university was established as the Tennessee Agricultural Industrial State Normal School for Negroes in 1912.
- •It changed its name to Tennessee Agricultural Industrial State Normal College in 1925.
- •In 1941, the Tennessee General Assembly directed the Board of Education to upgrade the educational program of the college.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1017
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
61.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
1.0%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$17,500
Programs (79)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
60%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
50
Peer Average
37
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from TN state average + large city premium
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Nearby Hotels
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Days out including Tennessee State University
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