Campus Identity
Tennessee State University is a mid-size public university in Nashville, TN. Approximately 4,848 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 70% acceptance rate. Duncan Lake (historical) is about 12 miles from campus. Tennessee State University is a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). CollegeCove's campus safety score is 73/100 (Pretty Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
At a Glance
Tennessee State University is a mid-size public university in Nashville, TN. Approximately 4,848 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 70% acceptance rate. Duncan Lake (historical) is about 12 miles from campus. Tennessee State University is a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). CollegeCove's campus safety score is 73/100 (Pretty Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
SAT Scores (25th–75th Percentile)
SAT Evidence-Based Reading
SAT Math
Campus Lifestyle
Tennessee State University is a 5,000–9,999, urban school with NCAA D1 athletics. The campus is 132 miles from Cloudmont Ski.
Athletics
NCAA D1
Ohio Valley
School Size & Setting
5,000–9,999
Urban setting
Weather
Warm Climate
53°F avg school-year
Nearby Ski Resorts
Tennessee State University students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Cloudmont Ski, 132 miles away. All are within 186 miles of campus.
Alabama
Indiana
Tennessee
Nearby Lake
Duncan Lake (historical) is 12 miles from campus, giving Tennessee State University students access to boating, swimming, and waterfront recreation.
Duncan Lake (historical)
Lake access within 11.7 miles
Average Monthly Temperature
1991–2020 Climate Normals · Nashville, TN
Nashville has a mild climate, with winters averaging 38°F in Jan and summers peaking around 78°F in Jul.
Station: WARNER PARK · Source: NOAA NCEI
On Campus Safety Score
2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students
Tennessee State University in TN earns a composite safety score of 73/100, rated Pretty Safe among U.S. colleges.
On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.
Cost Breakdown
2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.
| Cost Item | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $8,616 | $22,416 |
| Fees | $1,208 | $1,208 |
| Room & Board | $10,414 | $10,414 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $20,238 | $34,038 |
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.
Fields of Study
84 programs offered
Most Popular Programs
Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Tennessee State University located?
Tennessee State University is located in Nashville, TN. The main campus address is 3500 John A. Merritt Blvd, Nashville, TN. It is a public institution offering 4-year degree programs.
What is the acceptance rate at Tennessee State University?
Tennessee State University has an acceptance rate of 70%, making it moderately selective. Out of 9,660 applicants, 6,773 were admitted in the most recent year. 4,848 students enrolled.
What ACT score do you need for Tennessee State University?
The middle 50% of enrolled students at Tennessee State University scored between 16 and 21 on the ACT, with a median of 19. About 65% of enrolled students submitted ACT scores. Scoring in this range will put you within the typical range, though admissions decisions consider many factors.
How much does it cost to attend Tennessee State University?
For the 2024-25 academic year, Tennessee State University charges $8,616/year for in-state students and $22,416/year for out-of-state students. Including room and board ($10,414/year), the total estimated cost is approximately $21,692/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $15,796/year — what students actually pay. Use Tennessee State University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the application fee for Tennessee State University?
The undergraduate application fee at Tennessee State University is $25. Check the admissions website for fee waiver eligibility.
Does Tennessee State University have college sports?
Yes — Tennessee State University competes at the NCAA D1 level in the Ohio Valley. As a Division I program, they compete at the highest level of college athletics, which often includes scholarships and nationally broadcast games.
Is Tennessee State University an HBCU?
Yes, Tennessee State University is a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). HBCUs were established primarily to serve Black Americans and have a rich history of academic excellence, cultural significance, and community impact. Tennessee State University remains an important institution for higher education and Black culture.
Is Tennessee State University the right fit for me?
Whether Tennessee State University is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (70% admit rate), avg net price ($15,796/year after aid), campus culture in Nashville, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh Tennessee State University against similar schools side-by-side.
Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with Tennessee State University directly for the most current information.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Public
- Location
- Nashville, TN
- Size
- 5,000–9,999
- Degrees Offered
- Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral
- HBCU
- Yes
- Land Grant
- Yes
- NCAA
- NCAA D1
- Conference
- Ohio Valley
- School Year Weather
- Warm · 53°F avg
- App Fee
- $25
- On Campus Safety Score
- 73/100
- Nearest Airport
- Nashville, TN (BNA) · 9 mialso MQY (20 mi), HOP (51 mi)
Location
Nashville, TN