Tennessee State University excels at making higher education financially accessible, with net prices well below national averages and debt levels that graduates can successfully manage.
The university's zero default rate and strong affordability metrics demonstrate its commitment to sustainable educational investment for students from all economic backgrounds.
Tennessee State University offers an accessible path to higher education with particularly strong affordability outcomes. While Azimuth ranks TSU in the lower tier nationally for overall composite performance, the university excels in keeping costs manageable for students across all income levels. Net prices remain well below national averages, with low-income students paying just $9,239 annually and middle-income families seeing costs around $11,079.
As a historically black public university in Nashville, TSU serves a diverse student body where 52% receive Pell Grants and 37% are first-generation college students. The university's mobility quadrant designation as "Under-Resourced Institutions" reflects both its broad access mission and the financial constraints that limit some outcomes. Despite resource challenges, TSU maintains a commitment to affordability that makes higher education accessible to students who might otherwise struggle to attend college.
TSU's program portfolio centers on practical, career-focused fields including business administration, corrections administration, and aerospace engineering technology. While median earnings of $42,730 ten years after enrollment place the university below national averages, graduates benefit from minimal debt burdens and the strong alumni networks characteristic of HBCU institutions. For many students, TSU represents an affordable entry point into professional careers with manageable financial risk.
Tennessee State University's program portfolio reflects its mission as a comprehensive public university serving diverse student needs. Business Administration leads both in enrollment and aggregate return, with 121 graduates earning median salaries of $39,369, making it the university's economic engine. The program's substantial size creates meaningful alumni networks and employer relationships throughout the Nashville region and beyond.
Technical programs demonstrate TSU's strongest earning potential. Aerospace Engineering Technology, though smaller with 21 graduates, delivers the highest median earnings at $47,260, showing how specialized technical training can lead to solid career outcomes. Corrections Administration represents another significant program with 70 graduates earning $32,213, reflecting TSU's role in preparing students for public service careers in criminal justice and related fields.
The university's program mix emphasizes practical, professionally-oriented education that prepares students for immediate workforce entry. While earnings may not match those of more research-intensive institutions, TSU's programs provide solid preparation for stable careers in business, technology, and public service sectors that offer steady employment opportunities and clear advancement pathways for graduates.
Tennessee State University graduates earn a median of $42,730 ten years after enrollment, which places the institution below typical public university outcomes but reflects the university's focus on accessible education over maximum earnings potential. Despite modest overall earnings, TSU graduates do achieve slightly higher earnings than similar students at comparable institutions, showing a small but positive earnings advantage of about $1,737 beyond expectations.
Program-level outcomes vary significantly across TSU's academic portfolio. Business Administration, the university's largest program with 121 graduates, produces median earnings of $39,369 and represents the highest aggregate return due to its substantial enrollment. Aerospace Engineering Technology delivers the strongest individual earnings at $47,260 for its 21 graduates, demonstrating that technical programs can provide solid financial returns. Corrections Administration, another popular field with 70 graduates, leads to median earnings of $32,213, reflecting the public service orientation of many TSU programs.
The university's career outcomes reflect both its mission as an HBCU serving first-generation and lower-income students and the practical, professionally-oriented nature of its academic programs. While earnings may not match those of more selective institutions, TSU graduates enter the workforce with manageable debt levels and preparation for stable careers in fields like business, criminal justice, and technical specialties that provide steady employment opportunities in Tennessee and beyond.
Tennessee State University stands out for exceptional affordability across all income levels. Low-income students pay an average net price of just $9,239 annually, well below what most public universities charge, while middle-income families see costs around $11,079 per year. Even high-income families pay a relatively modest $16,378, making TSU accessible to students from diverse economic backgrounds without the financial strain common at many institutions.
Debt levels remain very manageable for TSU graduates. Typical federal student loan debt is $27,000, which aligns with national averages but represents a reasonable burden given the university's affordable sticker price. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $15,732, a modest level that reflects many families' ability to cover costs through grants, work-study, and personal contributions rather than relying heavily on parent loans. The university's 0% federal loan default rate indicates that graduates can successfully manage their debt obligations after graduation.
TSU's affordability strength lies in its combination of low net prices and reasonable debt levels, creating a sustainable financial model for students and families. The university's commitment to keeping costs down means that even students who must borrow can do so at levels that won't overwhelm their post-graduation budgets, making higher education accessible to students who might otherwise be priced out of four-year degree programs.
Tennessee State University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
