Tennessee State University combines accessible admissions with demonstrated effectiveness in student success. As an Under-Resourced Institution, the university achieves well above average mobility outcomes while serving 51.8% Pell-eligible students, creating pathways to economic advancement for diverse populations seeking educational opportunity and degree completion.
The institution's focus on access over highly selective admissions while still achieving positive earnings beyond expectations
With above average results, driven by controlled net prices and moderate debt levels
With well above average performance, reflecting the institution's success in converting educational access into earnings growth for diverse student populations
With well above average performance, reflecting the institution's success in converting educational access into earnings growth for diverse student populations
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisTennessee State University delivers above-average earnings relative to student demographics and institutional resources. Graduates earn $1,737 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing the university at the 62.7th percentile for earnings uplift.
This performance demonstrates institutional effectiveness in converting educational access into economic advancement. Median student debt remains at $27,000, below the peer median of $21,105, resulting in a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.63.
Students seeking accessible public education with strong support systems for first-generation and Pell-eligible students. Tennessee State University's open admissions and above-average mobility outcomes make it well-suited for students prioritizing degree attainment over highly competitive admissions, particularly those interested in business, criminal justice, or health programs with demonstrated career pathways.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
Comprehensive Analysis
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This is the Tennessee State University hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/tennessee-state-university/analysis.
Open admissions with above-average mobility outcomes
Tennessee State University ranks #406 nationally in Azimuth's composite analysis, with access performance at the 85.9th percentile reflecting its commitment to educational opportunity. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, this medium-sized public university maintains open admissions with a 92.6% acceptance rate while serving diverse student populations.
Tennessee State enrolls 51.8% Pell-eligible students and 37.4% first-generation students, placing it well above typical institutions on access measures. Graduates earn $1,737 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 62.7th percentile nationally and demonstrating the institution's effectiveness in supporting student success.
Median earnings reach $42,730 ten years after enrollment, accompanied by manageable debt levels of $27,000. The university falls within the Under-Resourced Institutions category, reflecting challenges in balancing access with resource constraints while maintaining positive student outcomes across diverse academic programs.
Tennessee State University admits 92.6% of applicants, meaning roughly 9 in 10 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places Tennessee State in the Open Access category, reflecting the institution's mission to provide broad educational opportunity.
The peer median admission rate of 84.6% shows that Tennessee State admits students at a higher rate than typical four-year institutions, emphasizing accessibility over selectivity. This admission approach aligns with the university's role as a public institution serving diverse populations, including 51.8% Pell-eligible students and 37.4% first-generation college students.
For prospective students, this means admission is highly likely for those who meet basic eligibility requirements and submit complete applications. Students should focus on academic preparation and program fit rather than competitive positioning against other applicants.
The open admissions model creates opportunity for students who might face barriers at more selective institutions, while still maintaining academic standards through program-specific requirements and student support systems designed to promote retention and degree completion.
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing.
9 graduates
Mechanical Engineering.
19 graduates
Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
8 graduates
Civil Engineering, General.
14 graduates
Computer Science.
47 graduates
Tennessee State University offers 18 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for analysis and comparison. Business Administration and Management ranks #218 nationally and #5 in Tennessee, graduating 121 students annually with median earnings of $53,542 and a value score of 36.0.
Corrections Administration ranks #118 nationally and #4 in Tennessee, producing 70 graduates with median earnings of $43,592 and a strong value score of 38.7. Computer Science ranks #176 nationally and #7 in Tennessee, graduating 47 students with median earnings of $57,048, the highest among tracked programs.
Clinical Research Coordinator ranks #45 nationally and #2 in Tennessee with 30 graduates earning $50,307. Allied Health Diagnostic and Treatment Professions ranks #53 nationally and #3 in Tennessee, graduating 23 students with median earnings of $52,705 and a value score of 29.7.
These rankings reflect the university's strengths in professional preparation across business, healthcare, criminal justice, and technology fields, with programs consistently performing within the top half of their respective national peer groups.
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
University Of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Similar quality tier (#405 ranked) | WI | 90% | $52,021 | #405 | Compare |
University Of Michigan-Flint Similar quality tier (#409 ranked) | MI | 69% | $53,230 | #409 | Compare |
California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt Similar quality tier (#410 ranked) | CA | 99% | $47,626 | #410 | Compare |
Western Illinois University Similar quality tier (#403 ranked) | IL | 75% | $54,163 | #403 | Compare |
Mcneese State University Similar quality tier (#411 ranked) | LA | 68% | $46,453 | #411 | Compare |
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Tennessee State University's published cost of attendance is $23,828 per year, including $8,568 in-state tuition ($22,284 out-of-state), $10,120 for room and board, and $1,600 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $10,026 after financial aid, representing savings of $13,802 through grants, scholarships, and other assistance.
This net price falls $4,067 above the peer median of $14,093, indicating higher relative costs compared to similar institutions. The substantial financial aid savings reflect Tennessee State's commitment to affordability for its diverse student body, with aid targeting lower-income families who comprise the majority of enrollment.
Net prices vary significantly by family income, ranging from $9,239 for families earning under $30,000 to $16,378 for those earning over $110,000. This progressive pricing structure demonstrates how financial aid concentrates resources toward students with the greatest need.
The $7,139 gap between lowest and highest income tiers shows meaningful affordability differences based on family financial circumstances, making Tennessee State accessible across economic backgrounds while maintaining revenue through higher-income student contributions.
Tennessee State University graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth and positive economic mobility outcomes. Median earnings rise from $34,160 six years after enrollment to $39,391 at eight years and $42,730 at ten years, representing 25.1% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes are based on cohorts exceeding 2,800 graduates each period, providing confidence in reported figures across diverse academic programs. Graduates earn $1,737 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing Tennessee State at the 62.7th percentile for earnings uplift and demonstrating institutional effectiveness in student support.
Low-income graduates earn $36,000, reflecting positive outcomes for students from disadvantaged backgrounds who comprise over half the student body. Earnings span from $25,972 at the 25th percentile to $61,975 at the 75th percentile, showing variation across career paths and program choices.
Approximately 24.7% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education. Compared to peer institutions with similar characteristics, Tennessee State graduates earn $7,386 less annually, but this difference reflects the institution's focus on access and opportunity rather than selective admissions, while still achieving above-expected outcomes given student demographics and institutional resources.
