Public
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Nashville, Tennessee
92.6% Acceptance Rate
Tennessee State University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
92.6%Acceptance Rate
3.22Avg GPA
1017Avg SAT
19Avg ACT
$23,828Annual Cost
$42,730Grad Salary
51.8%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
92.6%
Avg GPA
3.22
Avg SAT
1017
Avg ACT
19
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
856–1068
ACT Middle 50%
16–21
Avg Net Price
$10,026
Need-Based Aid
51.8% receive Pell
Tennessee State University is Nashville's public HBCU with strong agriculture programs. Founded in 1912, TSU features the Research and Sponsored Programs Office.
The university excels in engineering and healthcare programs. TSU's 'Avon Williams Campus' serves downtown Nashville.
Tennessee State University Acceptance Rate
Admission at Tennessee State University is inclusive by design: 92.6% of applicants who meet basic eligibility are accepted.
What to Expect
- Eligibility First: A high school diploma or GED typically clears the main bar.
- Plan Ahead for Placement: Placement tests can shape which courses you start in — worth preparing for.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 92.6% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.22 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.02 – 3.21
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.77
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Tennessee State University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Tennessee State University follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline.
Key Admission Dates
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
Tennessee State University reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
💡 The scholarship deadline (February 15, 2026) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
Tennessee State University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Tennessee State University is 3.22. That makes admissions here competitive, but not extremely selective. Most admitted students carry a mix of A's and B's.
In the 2.92–3.22 range, a high SAT or ACT score still carries real weight.
Note the scale: this figure reflects an unweighted 4.0 GPA. Add AP or IB coursework and the equivalent weighted GPA usually lands around 3.42–3.62.Tennessee State University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Admission here leans heavily on holistic review.
Recommended Strategy: Leans on context — leadership, personal circumstances, or a standout talent.
This range is a rough map — where you land determines what else needs to carry weight in your application:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.22 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.02 – 3.21
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.82 – 3.01
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.81
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Minimum admission requirement: 2.5 weighted GPA plus ACT 19 or SAT 990 (students 21+ may not need to submit test scores)
- $500,000 FAA grant funds up to 20 aviation maintenance scholarships; High Flight Academy offers ages 16-18 a pilot certification pathway
- TSU is a land-grant university and one of only 5 institutions nationally to receive Tier 3 USDA NEXTGEN funding (up to $20M) for agriculture/food-science scholarship pipelines
- Freshman appeal process is available after a denial decision, allowing submission of additional context or strengths
- Rigor Over Raw Number: Course rigor is read alongside the number itself — a 3.8 with a demanding schedule can beat a 4.0 without one.
- Trajectory Matters: Grades that climb toward graduation tend to matter more than a flat average — the trajectory tells its own story.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Tennessee State University
Admission Chance Predictor
Built from Tennessee State University's own verified admissions data — adjust the sliders below
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Tennessee State University Test Requirements
Scores aren't just a formality at Tennessee State University — landing within or above the 2026 admitted class's middle 50% keeps you fully competitive, even where submission is optional.
Can I Get Into Tennessee State University Without SAT or ACT?
Tennessee State University considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt — most applicants test 2–3 times.
Tennessee State University Average SAT Score: 1017
Admitted students at Tennessee State University average a 1017 SAT (out of 1600).
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1017 — Accessible
A 1017 average means even a modest SAT score can strengthen your application.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1068 SAT or 21 ACT) to stand out. Below average? Tennessee State University allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
Scored under 856? A retake is worth it at Tennessee State University — two or three sittings is standard for competitive applicants, and there's no cap on how many times you can test.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 477 | 423 | 530 |
| SAT Reading | 486 | 433 | 538 |
| SAT Composite | 1017 | 856 | 1068 |
A score under 856 puts you in the lower quarter of admits; 1068+ puts you ahead of three-quarters of the admitted class. (These percentiles mark where a given share of the admitted class scored at or below.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1000
Can I get into Tennessee State University with a 1050 SAT?
At 1050, your SAT is squarely in Tennessee State University's favor. That said, admissions staff read the full file — GPA, activities, and essays still carry real weight even with a strong score in hand.
Tennessee State University ACT Requirements
Tennessee State University's admitted students average an ACT of 19.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 19 — Less Competitive
An average of 19 leaves room above it for a competitive application.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 18 | 15 | 20 |
| ACT English | 18 | 14 | 21 |
| ACT Composite | 19 | 16 | 21 |
Can I get into Tennessee State University with a 21 ACT?
At 21, you're in the top quarter of Tennessee State University's admitted class by ACT score. That's a real advantage, but admissions still reads GPA, essays, and activities alongside it.
The ACT's four sections — English, Math, Reading, Science — are each scored independently on a 1–36 scale, and admissions staff do notice a lopsided breakdown. If one section trails the others significantly, that's worth addressing before you apply, particularly for STEM programs where Science carries extra weight.
Beyond the number itself, Tennessee State University weighs your transcript rigor, activities, recommendations, and essays just as heavily — the ACT opens the door, the rest of your file decides what happens next.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Tennessee State University
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
Tennessee State University provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about using available resources well and planning your longer-term academic or career path.
Hit the GPA-plus-test-score combo exactly, and know the appeal path exists
TSU requires a minimum weighted GPA of 2.5 paired with an ACT of 19 or SAT of 990 - this is not an open-admission school, so falling short on either number can mean denial rather than automatic acceptance. If denied, TSU explicitly offers a freshman appeal process where you can present other strengths or context; treat that appeal as a real second door, not a formality.
If aviation interests you, name the FAA-funded pathway specifically
TSU's Department of Applied and Industrial Technology recently received a $500,000 FAA grant funding up to 20 aviation maintenance scholarships, and the program runs a High Flight Academy offering ages 16-18 a path to pilot certification. Mentioning interest in aviation maintenance or the FAA scholarship track by name in your application materials signals fit with a specific, well-funded program rather than generic interest in "aviation."
If agriculture or environmental science is your direction, target the College of Agriculture's federal grant pipeline
TSU is one of Tennessee's land-grant universities and was one of only five institutions nationally to land Tier 3 funding (up to $20 million) in USDA NIFA's NEXTGEN scholarship program. Students aiming at agricultural sciences, food security, or natural resources should connect directly with the College of Agriculture's scholarship office early - this funding is specifically designed to build a more diverse pipeline into those fields.
Submit dual-enrollment college transcripts even if your high school transcript looks complete
If you took any dual-enrollment coursework in high school, TSU requires that college transcript as part of your application - separate from your high school transcript. Applicants who only send the high school record and assume it's sufficient can have their file flagged as incomplete right before orientation, when transcripts are due in final form.
Expert Insight:
Because TSU's stated minimums (2.5 GPA, ACT 19/SAT 990) look modest, applicants sometimes assume admission is close to automatic. It isn't - TSU is explicit that meeting baseline requirements does not guarantee acceptance, and denials happen. The real safety net for borderline applicants is the freshman appeal process, which many students don't realize exists until after they've already been denied and stopped engaging with the university.
Tennessee State University Profile
Full Name
Tennessee State University
City
Nashville
State
Tennessee
ZIP Code
37209-1561
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a Tennessee State University Degree Worth It?
At $23,828/year against a $42,730 median graduate salary, Tennessee State University is worth weighing against your specific program and financial situation — the numbers below give you a real basis for that decision.
Admitted students' families report a median household income around $53,800, and graduates see a 4.24% unemployment rate.
How much does a degree from Tennessee State University Cost?
Listed tuition runs $23,828/year at Tennessee State University; factor in Pell and federal grant aid and most students land closer to $10,026.
At Tennessee State University, 51.8% receive a Pell Grant and 39.2% carry federal loans. Filing FAFSA early and naming Tennessee State University on it improves your shot at both.
How much does a Tennessee State University Graduate earn?
Ten years out from enrollment, Tennessee State University graduates report a median income of $42,730, about 5% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Tennessee State University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama State University | Montgomery, AL | 977 | 18 |
| Baptist Health College Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | 980 | 20 |
| Colorado State University Pueblo | Pueblo, CO | 1005 | 22 |
| University of Bridgeport | Bridgeport, CT | 985 | NA |
| Delaware State University | Dover, DE | 984 | 24 |
| Trinity Baptist College | Jacksonville, FL | 1007 | 20 |
| Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College | Tifton, GA | 994 | 19 |
| College of Coastal Georgia | Brunswick, GA | 1001 | 18 |
| Clayton State University | Morrow, GA | 973 | 18 |
| Columbus State University | Columbus, GA | 994 | 21 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Tennessee State University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faulkner University | Montgomery, AL | 1016 | 20 |
| University of West Alabama | Livingston, AL | 1015 | 20 |
| Central Baptist College | Conway, AR | 1022 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton | Morrilton, AR | 1020 | 20 |
| Williams Baptist University | Walnut Ridge, AR | 1018 | 19 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Tennessee State University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville, AL | 1055 | 21 |
| Spring Hill College | Mobile, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Troy University | Troy, AL | 1086 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
Degree Programs at Tennessee State University
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee State University Admissions
Tennessee State University graduates earn a lower median salary of $42,730/year, especially outside technical fields.
Tuition at Tennessee State University is relatively affordable, around $23,828/year.
51.8% of Tennessee State University students receive a Pell Grant — need-based aid you don't repay. File your FAFSA early and list Tennessee State University as a choice for the best shot at maximum aid.
Tennessee State University's acceptance rate is 92.6%, comparatively higher than most selective universities — admission is more attainable here.
The average GPA of admitted Tennessee State University students is 3.22, reflecting a competitive applicant pool.
There's no strict cutoff, but a GPA at or above 2.92 puts you in the standard applicant pool at Tennessee State University. Below that, your essays and recommendations need to work harder to provide context.
A GPA of 2.82 or below makes admission tougher at Tennessee State University, but strong test scores, activities, and essays — plus AP/IB coursework — can still keep you in contention.
Tennessee State University weighs the SAT heavily. Scoring above 1017, and within the 856–1068 range, keeps you competitive.
Tennessee State University follows Rolling Admissions — applications are reviewed year-round, so applying early is your best strategy.
Tennessee State University charges an application fee of 25; ask admissions about waiver eligibility if cost is a barrier.
For priority financial aid consideration, get your FAFSA in before February 15, 2026 — that's Tennessee State University's scholarship priority date.
Transferring in is a well-trodden path here. Line up your transcripts, recommendations, and a strong personal statement before applying.
The biggest levers are academic performance, a clear extracurricular focus, and essays that stand out — plus a solid test score where the school considers one.
Explore Other Options
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