About

About Tennessee State University

hbcudoctoral research universityhealth sciences focuspublic institution

Tennessee State University is a public research university in Nashville, TN, known for its hbcu, doctoral research university, and health sciences focus. TSU offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $11,839 per year; the sticker price of $37,188 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Tennessee State University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

3.25
Typical Admitted GPA

Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Tennessee State University

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
TSU is a historically Black university with a strong identity rooted in community, service, and excellence, so use your essay to show genuine understanding of what an HBCU environment means to you and how you plan to contribute to that community specifically.
Application Strategy
TSU's location in Nashville gives you access to a thriving job market in healthcare, music, and business, so in your application highlight any career or professional goals that connect directly to industries where Nashville employers actively recruit TSU students.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Tennessee State University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$37k/yr$15.0k
30k-48k~$37k/yr$15.8k
48k-75k~$37k/yr$15.6k
75k-110k~$37k/yr$20.6k
110k+~$37k/yr$20.1k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

33%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$34k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
12:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
5,283
Undergrad Enrollment
Tennessee State University Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch