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Colleges / TN / Nashville
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Tennessee State University

Public Nashville, TN · Urban · Southeast · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
33%
Graduation Rate
$42,730
Earnings (10yr)
$15,796
Net Price
70%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

With an enrollment of nearly 4,850 students and a 70% acceptance rate, Tennessee State University is an accessible choice for those looking to study in fields like Health Professions, Business & Marketing, Psychology, Biology & Biomedical, or Engineering. This school is a good fit for students who thrive in a larger environment but still appreciate a sense of community. The focus on these essential areas of study signals a commitment to preparing students for in-demand careers.

Graduates from Tennessee State University can expect to earn an average of $42,730 within ten years of completing their degree. While the graduation rate sits at 33%, many students find their footing and move into solid careers, increasing their earning potential over time. The affordability aspect is also noteworthy, as a significant portion of students—51%—receive Pell Grants, which can help alleviate the financial burden that often accompanies college.

In terms of practical costs, the net price after aid is $15,796, and the median debt upon graduation is $27,000. This means that while some students may leave with a manageable debt load, it's essential to consider how that fits with their career plans. Those who tend to thrive at Tennessee State are often well-prepared to navigate their financial commitments while pursuing their passions in a supportive environment.

Rankings

How Tennessee Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation33%Earnings 10yr$43KNet Price$16KRetention34%Median Debt$27KPell Grant Rate51%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$15K$0-30K$16K$30-48K$16K$48-75K$20K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%1818.3%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%1619.0%MOBILITY294.39%

Cost & Financial Aid

$8,616
In-State Tuition
$22,416
Out-of-State
$15,796
Avg Net Price
$27,000
Median Debt
51%
Pell Grant Rate
46%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$15,005
Family Income $0–$30K
$15,840
Family Income $30K–$48K
$15,579
Family Income $48K–$75K
$20,099
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$34,160
6 Years After Entry
$39,391
8 Years
$42,730
10 Years
0.63x
Debt-to-Earnings
56%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$34,160 6yr $39,391 8yr $42,730 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

294.39%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
1619.0%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
1818.3%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$52,600
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.10
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
-0.01
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
4.2%
Volunteering Rate
0.99
Support Ratio
Community support

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 70%
Retention Rate 34%
SAT Average 1000
SAT Range 880–1050
ACT Range 16–21
Full-Time Faculty 77%
Faculty Salary (mo) $8,732
Diversity Index 0.27
First-Gen Students 37%

Top Programs

Health Professions 20%
Business & Marketing 18%
Psychology 7%
Biology & Biomedical 6%
Engineering 6%
Criminal Justice 5%
Social Sciences 5%
Education 5%