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


The graduation rates at Tennessee State University are notably low compared to national averages. Overall, only 33% of students complete their programs, placing the university in the bottom 15% for graduation performance. Male students graduate at a rate of 27%, while females graduate at a slightly higher but still low rate of 36%, which is in the bottom 10% nationally. The difference in graduation rates by gender suggests some variability in student success, but both remain significantly below typical benchmarks.
When looking at specific timeframes, only 21% of students graduate within four years, and 34% complete their degrees within six years, both figures ranking in the bottom 15% nationally. These extended timelines reflect challenges in student retention and progression through degree programs.
Student retention rates further highlight these challenges, with only 60% of first-year students returning for a second year. This retention metric is also in the lower percentile nationally, indicating difficulty in maintaining continuous enrollment.
Graduates of Tennessee State University can expect varied earning potentials depending on their chosen field of study. Among the highest earners are those with degrees in Mechanical Engineering, who report an average income of $59,601, highlighting the strong financial prospects in the engineering sector. Closely following are graduates in Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing, with average earnings of $51,247, reflecting the growing demand and competitive salaries in health-related professions.
Students who completed degrees in Accounting and Related Services also see significant earning power, averaging $44,583. Similarly, graduates in Computer Science earn around $40,421, positioning technology-focused programs as profitable pathways. Business Administration, Management, and Operations graduates have a median income near $38,743, suggesting solid economic outcomes in the business arena.
Other fields such as Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions offer about $35,635, while Social Work graduates make around $34,791 on average. Those completing programs in Health and Medical Administrative Services earn roughly $34,111, which points to modest but meaningful earnings in health administration.
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities majors report average salaries of approximately $34,561, and those with degrees in Teacher Education and Professional Development tend to earn about $33,244. Agricultural studies provide an average earning figure near $32,281, followed closely by general Biology graduates who earn around $31,151.
Fields such as Criminal Justice and Corrections and Sociology present average incomes in the lower $30,000 range, with $30,977 and $30,757 respectively. Graduates focused on Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences realize earnings near $30,839, while Psychology majors earn roughly $30,184.
Some of the more modest earning averages include Communication and Media Studies and Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies, both near $28,000. Meanwhile, graduates in Health and Physical Education/Fitness earn close to $26,208, indicating a comparatively lower but still relevant income potential.
Career Centers:
Full time employees: 2
Part time employees: Data not available
Career Counselling:
Individual: All undergraduates
Group: All undergraduates
Career Center services:
Other information:
Job bank on campus
YesJob fairs on campus
YesIndividual job placement
All undergraduatesOn campus employer recruitment
All undergraduatesBACHELOR’S Degree
Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science and Related Fields
Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
Education
Engineering
Engineering/Engineering-related Technologies/Technicians
Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences
English Language and Literature/Letters
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Mathematics and Statistics
Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology
Physical Sciences
Psychology
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services
Public Administration and Social Service Professions
Social Sciences
Visual and Performing Arts
Health Professions and Related Programs
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
History
MASTER’S Degree
Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science and Related Fields
Natural Resources and Conservation
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
Education
Engineering
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology
Physical Sciences
Psychology
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services
Public Administration and Social Service Professions
Health Professions and Related Programs
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
DOCTOR’S Degree
Education
Engineering
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Psychology