3500 John A Meritt Blvd, Nashville, TN 37209-1561, USA


Tennessee State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. This regional accreditation ensures that the university meets rigorous standards for academic quality and institutional effectiveness.
Additionally, several individual programs at Tennessee State University maintain specialized accreditations from professional organizations. These accreditations further verify the quality and standards of specific fields of study, which can be particularly important for students pursuing careers that require certification or licensure.
Tennessee State University requires applicants to have completed a high school education or its equivalent, specifically a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. Submission of a secondary school record and a minimum high school GPA are mandatory for admission consideration. While the university recommends providing a secondary school class rank, it is not strictly required.
Contrary to some institutions, Tennessee State University does not have an open admission policy, indicating that meeting the baseline requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Furthermore, computer ownership or leasing is not a prerequisite for applicants.
The university accepts Advanced Placement (AP) credits, allowing students to potentially receive college credit for prior coursework and examinations. However, dual credit and other forms of credit transfer data are not available. There is no information regarding required standardized test scores such as the SAT, ACT, TOEFL, or other tests, nor are admission test scores mandatory for all applicants.
Looking at acceptance metrics, the university admits a high percentage of applicants, with an acceptance rate of 93 percent, placing it among institutions with relatively accessible admissions. Notably, 66 percent of enrolled students had ACT scores below 23, and only a small fraction scored near the highest ACT ranges, illustrating moderate selectivity based on standardized testing.
The application fee at Tennessee State University is set at $35 for undergraduate applicants. This fee is required to process the application and is non-refundable once submitted.
The university offers fee waivers for certain applicants who demonstrate financial need or meet specific eligibility criteria. Prospective students can request a waiver through official documentation, which must be submitted as part of their application materials. Additionally, some high school programs and community organizations may provide fee waiver codes recognized by the university.
Applicants are encouraged to review the university's admissions policies or contact the admissions office directly to determine their eligibility for a fee waiver and the necessary steps to apply for one. This assistance aims to support access to higher education by reducing financial barriers for qualifying candidates.
Tennessee State University offers Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs designed to prepare students for leadership roles in the United States Armed Forces. The university provides access to ROTC training opportunities, which include coursework, physical fitness activities, and leadership development tailored to military service. These programs allow students to earn commissions as officers upon graduation while simultaneously completing their academic degrees.
Students interested in ROTC at Tennessee State University typically participate in one or more branches, such as Army ROTC, that emphasize military science and leadership skills. This involvement includes classroom instruction combined with practical exercises aimed at fostering discipline and responsibility crucial for military careers.
Participation in ROTC offers scholarships and financial assistance options, which enable selected students to pursue their education with reduced financial burden while committing to service after completing their degree requirements.
Overall, Tennessee State University's ROTC offerings serve as a pathway for students seeking a structured program that develops military leadership alongside their academic pursuits.
Tennessee State University accepts transfer students for multiple terms throughout the academic year, including fall, spring, and summer sessions. The university considers students transferring credits and has provisions to receive credits earned through various standardized exams.
Overall, Tennessee State University provides flexibility for transfer students, supporting credit evaluation from recognized examinations and considering academic recommendations to simplify the transfer admission process.
Tennessee State University offers various study abroad programs designed to enhance students' global perspectives and academic experiences. The university provides opportunities for semester-long exchanges, short-term faculty-led trips, and summer study abroad options. These programs allow students to earn academic credit while immersing themselves in different cultures and educational systems.
Participants can choose from destinations across several continents, which are selected to complement the university's academic disciplines and student interests. The programs emphasize interdisciplinary learning and cultural engagement, fostering both personal growth and professional development.
In addition to group programs, Tennessee State University supports individualized study abroad plans, enabling students to tailor their experiences to fit their academic goals. The Office of International Programs offers advising, application assistance, and pre-departure orientations to prepare students for successful international study.
The university also encourages participation in internships and research opportunities abroad, which provide practical experience and global networking possibilities.
Percent of students submitting ACT scores
66%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
32%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
NoSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
RecommendedSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
Data not availableRecommendations
Data not availableFormal demonstration of competencies
Data not availableAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
Data not availableOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
Data not availableOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
Data not availableDisabilities services
Data not availableOff-campus study
Data not availableStudy abroad
Data not availableWeekend/evening college
Data not availableStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
EasyGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring, Summer