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Tennessee State University

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

Tennessee State University award
Tennessee State University award
US ranking
position: 173
Tuition & fees per year: $9,048
Acceptance rate: 93.00%
Median alumni salary: $36,092
Avg. SAT and ACT: N/A
Entrance difficulty: Easy

What are the graduation rates for students at Tennessee State University?

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.

What is the earning potential for graduates at Tennessee State University?

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.

Tennessee State University Graduation Rate

Avg. graduation 33%
Graduation rate, total cohort
4-year Graduation 21%
Graduation rate - Bachelor degree within 4 years, total
6-year Graduation 34%
Graduation rate - Bachelor degree within 6 years, total

Tennessee State University Career Help & Outcomes

Career Centers:

Full time employees: 2

Part time employees: Data not available

Career Counselling:

Individual: All undergraduates

Group: All undergraduates

Career Center services:

  • Job Interviews
  • Career library
  • Resume preparation
  • Resume refers to employers
  • Interview workshop
  • Alumni network

Other information:

Job bank on campus

Yes

Job fairs on campus

Yes

Individual job placement

All undergraduates

On campus employer recruitment

All undergraduates

Tennessee State University Graduations Per Degree

BACHELOR’S Degree

Women Men Total

Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science and Related Fields

11112

Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs

302151

Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services

151328

Education

252045

Engineering

104050

Engineering/Engineering-related Technologies/Technicians

066

Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences

16117

English Language and Literature/Letters

10313

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

16723

Biological and Biomedical Sciences

29635

Mathematics and Statistics

123

Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology

141226

Physical Sciences

11213

Psychology

37542

Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services

321042

Public Administration and Social Service Professions

16218

Social Sciences

27431

Visual and Performing Arts

61117

Health Professions and Related Programs

11621137

Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services

8461145

History

112

MASTER’S Degree

Women Men Total

Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science and Related Fields

8412

Natural Resources and Conservation

404

Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services

31417

Education

10236138

Engineering

6713

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

8210

Biological and Biomedical Sciences

202

Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology

6511

Physical Sciences

123

Psychology

819

Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services

303

Public Administration and Social Service Professions

332053

Health Professions and Related Programs

62466

Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services

171633

DOCTOR’S Degree

Women Men Total

Education

11819

Engineering

145

Biological and Biomedical Sciences

516

Psychology

11314