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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: 171
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 does Tennessee State University offer in terms of athletics?

Tennessee State University features a variety of athletic programs competing in NCAA Division I as a member of the Ohio Valley Conference for most sports. The university supports men's and women's teams in sports such as basketball, track and field, cross country, golf, tennis, and volleyball. Additionally, the football team participates in the Football Championship Subdivision.

Beyond varsity sports, Tennessee State also provides opportunities for student involvement in intramural and club activities, encouraging a broad engagement with athletics and physical fitness on campus. Facilities accommodate training and competitions for these programs, contributing to a vibrant athletic culture within the university community.

What student groups and Associations are available at Tennessee State University?

Tennessee State University offers a range of student organizations that reflect diverse interests and backgrounds. Among these groups are All World Campus Ministries, which provides a community-based spiritual support network. The university also hosts several historically significant Greek-letter organizations including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Alpha Kappa Psi Fraternity Inc., Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., and Alpha Phi Omega, each playing a vital role in campus life and leadership development.

Regarding student participation in these social organizations, the total undergraduate enrollment is composed of approximately 1,525 men and 2,951 women involved in various groups and associations, illustrating an active campus community engaged beyond academics.

Who studies at Tennessee State University?

Tennessee State University enrolls a diverse student body with varying backgrounds and experiences. The undergraduate population predominantly includes young adults, with 3,693 students aged 18 to 19 and 1,481 students aged 20 to 21. There is also a substantial number of older undergraduates, including 679 students between 22 and 24 years old, and smaller groups spanning ages into their 50s and beyond. Graduate students tend to be older, with significant representation in the 22 to 64 age range and a smaller contingent over 65.

The university's total enrollment of new students remains moderate, with around 1,770 freshmen, a figure sitting in the upper third nationally, while transfer student numbers are lower, at 218 students, which ranks in the lower half compared to similar institutions. Overall, total new student admissions place Tennessee State University in a competitive position within the top 40% percentile.

In terms of residency, the proportion of in-state students is quite low, representing only about 32%, a rate in the bottom 10% nationally, while out-of-state students compose a much larger share at 65%, placing Tennessee State University in the top 10% for attracting students from beyond Tennessee. The share of domestic U. S. students is typical for the sector, hovering around 97%, and the university hosts students from an average number of foreign countries, roughly three.

The racial and ethnic composition reflects a predominantly African American student body, constituting 4,124 students, which ranks Tennessee State University in the top 5% nationwide for this demographic. Hispanic, Asian, Native American, and Pacific Islander populations are present at average or below-average levels, while White students make up a smaller proportion relative to other groups. Students identifying as multiracial or with unknown racial background also represent moderate segments of the campus community.

How does student life look like at Tennessee State University?

Tennessee State University offers a diverse campus life spread across a 500-acre campus. Students have access to a variety of cultural and artistic opportunities including a campus newspaper, drama productions, a radio station, band, chorus, and a television station. These outlets provide a dynamic environment for expression and engagement outside of the classroom.

In terms of student support services, the university provides resources such as a health clinic, psychological counseling, and a veterans affairs office, which contribute to the overall well-being and support of its student body. Additionally, a center dedicated to women's issues is available to address and support gender-specific needs.

The university participates in NCAA athletics, offering students opportunities to engage in competitive sports, which can enhance community involvement and school spirit.

With a student-to-faculty ratio of 11: 1, Tennessee State University maintains relatively small class sizes that can facilitate closer interactions between students and instructors, a factor often valued by prospective students seeking personalized academic attention.

Enrollment stands at approximately 6,310 students, with 930 full-time degree-seeking students. The demographic includes a higher proportion of full-time degree-seeking women compared to men, which may influence campus culture and activities.

What libraries are available to students at Tennessee State University?

Tennessee State University offers access to two libraries, including the main Martha M. Brown/Lois H. Daniel Library. The number of libraries available is considered average, ranking in the top half among comparable institutions.

The university maintains a collection of approximately 217,288 books, which is somewhat lower compared to many peers. Subscriptions number 885, placing the library's offerings in the lower 40th percentile, while digital subscriptions are more robust with about 160,038, ranking in the top 50%.

In addition, there are around 428,433 ebooks available to students, although this falls below the median in comparison to other libraries. The library provides access to 365 databases, which is also slightly below average.

Students benefit from a range of amenities including study rooms, trained staff, and physical as well as digital access to resources. The library offers a total of 93 service hours weekly and grants access to shared collections, although it does not provide all-day access. Established service hours ensure reliable availability of library resources.

Tennessee State University Student Life for 2026

Total enrollment

6310

Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen

930

Member of Athletic Associations

Data not available

Total staff

438 full time, 127 part time

Veterans affair office

Yes

Tennessee State University Library Services and Resources

Main library name

Martha M. Brown/ Lois H. Daniel Library

Number of libraries on campus

2

Reservable study rooms in library

Yes

24h access

No

Physical facilities

Yes

Access to digital/electronic resources

Yes

Staff trained to provide and interpret library materials

Yes

Established library hours

Yes

Access to library collections that are shared with other institutions

Yes

Tennessee State University Computer Labs Access

  • 24h access
  • Help desk

Tennessee State University Student Life Enrollment Statistics

Freshly enrolled students' state of residence

US
International

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshman
Transfer

Freshly enrolled students' age

Under 25 years
Over 25 years

Tennessee State University Location & Map