Tennessee State University (TSU) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Tennessee State University
In the heart of Music City, Tennessee State University is a proud HBCU with a long tradition of scholarship and service. Students build strong footing in STEM, business, education, agriculture, health, and the arts. Learning feels hands-on, with mentoring faculty, modern labs and studios, a well-used library, tutoring and advising hubs, counseling, and a busy rec center. It's practical, personal, and focused on growth.
Student life hums with energy, from an acclaimed marching band and spirited athletics to service groups, cultural organizations, and late night jam sessions. The vibe is welcoming and purpose driven, anchored by beloved traditions like homecoming. Career prep leans practical, drawing on Nashville hospitals, schools, agencies, studios, and startups for real opportunities and mentoring. Notable alumni include Oprah Winfrey and Olympic great Wilma Rudolph.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Tennessee State University (TSU) offers 54 degree programs across 22 major academic fields, graduating approximately 1,180 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Health (11 programs, 259 graduates), Education (8 programs, 190 graduates), Business (5 programs, 184 graduates), Public Services (3 programs, 76 graduates) and Psychology (1 programs, 70 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Health (11 programs, 259 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health Professions and Related Sciences | 49 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.9999 |
| Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology | 38 |
|
Master's
|
51.0204 |
| Physical Therapy | 31 |
|
Doctorate (P)
|
51.2308 |
| Public Health | 30 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
51.2201 |
| Occupational Therapy | 28 |
|
Master's
|
51.2306 |
| Dental Hygiene | 21 |
|
Associate's
|
51.0602 |
| Health Administration and Management | 18 |
|
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
|
51.0701 |
| Registered Nursing | 18 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
51.3801 |
| Respiratory Care Therapy | 17 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.0908 |
| Health Information Administration | 7 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.0706 |
| Family Practice Nursing | 2 |
|
Post-Master's
|
51.3805 |
Education (8 programs, 190 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Leadership and Administration | 120 |
|
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
13.0401 |
| Multiple Level Teacher Education | 31 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1206 |
| Curriculum and Instruction | 15 |
|
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
13.0301 |
| Special Education Teaching | 9 |
|
Master's
|
13.1001 |
| Instructional Technology | 5 |
|
Postbac Cert.
|
13.0501 |
| Elementary Education | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
13.1202 |
| School Counseling and Guidance | 4 |
|
Master's
|
13.1101 |
| Early Childhood Education | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1210 |
Business (5 programs, 184 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | 150 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
52.0201 |
| Accounting | 15 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0301 |
| Office Management and Supervision | 9 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0204 |
| Business Economics | 7 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0601 |
| Nonprofit and Organizational Management | 3 |
|
Postbac Cert.
|
52.0206 |
Public Services (3 programs, 76 graduates)
Public Administration, Social Work and Community Services
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Administration | 36 |
|
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
44.0401 |
| Social Work | 28 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
44.0701 |
| Public Policy Analysis | 12 |
|
Postbac Cert.
|
44.0501 |
Psychology (1 programs, 70 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Psychology | 70 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
42.0101 |
Engineering (6 programs, 61 graduates)
Engineering Sciences and Applied Technology Solutions
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Engineering | 13 |
|
Master's
|
14.0101 |
| Civil Engineering | 13 |
|
Bachelor's
|
14.0801 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 12 |
|
Bachelor's
|
14.1901 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering | 11 |
|
Bachelor's
|
14.1001 |
| Architectural Engineering | 6 |
|
Bachelor's
|
14.0401 |
| Computer Engineering | 6 |
|
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
14.0901 |
Biological Sciences (1 programs, 58 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology and Biological Sciences | 58 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
26.0101 |
Security & Safety (1 programs, 46 graduates)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice Administration | 46 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
43.0103 |
Kinesiology (1 programs, 40 graduates)
Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education | 40 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
31.0501 |
Social Sciences (3 programs, 37 graduates)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Political Science and Government | 20 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.1001 |
| Sociology | 10 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.1101 |
| Urban Studies and Affairs | 7 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.1201 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Tennessee State University (TSU).
Application Requirements
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Tennessee State University (TSU)
How much does it cost to attend Tennessee State University (TSU)?
The annual tuition at Tennessee State University (TSU) is $8,568 for in-state students and $22,284 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $25,868 for in-state students and $39,584 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $10,120 (on) / $17,534 (off) and books and supplies $1,600.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Tennessee State University offer?
Tennessee State University (TSU) offers 54 academic programs across 22 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Associate's, Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's, Post-Master's, Doctorate (Research), Doctorate (Professional).
Most popular program areas include:
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (11 programs)
- Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (8 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (5 programs)
- Public Administration, Social Work and Community Services (3 programs)
- Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies (1 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for Tennessee State University?
Tennessee State University (TSU) has an 92.6% acceptance rate and a 14.8% yield rate, making it moderately selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 12,890
- Students admitted: 11,940
- Students enrolled: 1,770
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Tennessee State University?
Tennessee State University (TSU) provides financial aid to 46% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $15,589 and average loans of $11,295.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,259
- State/Local grants: $5,132
- Institutional grants: $14,556
- Federal loans: $5,447
The university supports 3,342 students with grants and 1,281 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Tennessee State University graduates?
Tennessee State University (TSU) graduates earn a median salary of $34,160 after 6 years and $42,730 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $25,972 (25th percentile) to $61,975 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $70,300 (90th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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