Overview
Tennessee State University was founded in 1912 as the Agricultural and Industrial State Normal School, becoming a land-grant institution and later achieving university status in 1951. As one of the nation's leading HBCUs, TSU has built a strong reputation in education, engineering, agriculture, business, and the sciences, while also being celebrated for its historic track and field program, the Tigerbelles, which produced numerous Olympic gold medalists including Wilma Rudolph. The university merged with the University of Tennessee at Nashville in 1979, expanding its academic offerings and downtown presence.
At a Glance
| Type | Public |
| Location | Nashville, Tennessee |
| Founded | 1912 |
| Total students | 7,900 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 16:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 88% |
| Graduation rate | 42% |
| Average starting salary | $44,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $9,500 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $22,700 |
| Room & board | $11,200 |
| Average financial aid | $9,800 |
| Students receiving aid | 89% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 890-1080 |
| ACT range | 16-20 |
| Average GPA | 3.10 |
| Regular deadline | August 1 |
Top Programs
- Business Administration
- Nursing
- Education
- Engineering
- Agricultural Sciences
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.