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.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Tennessee State University enrolled students typically score 856-1068 on the SAT, with the middle 50% falling within this range and a midpoint of 1017. SAT Math scores range from 423 to 530, while SAT Verbal scores span 433 to 538, indicating balanced performance across both sections. ACT scores for enrolled students range from 16 to 21, providing alternative pathways for students preferring this assessment. Compared to the peer median SAT of 1090, Tennessee State enrolled students score 73 points lower on average, reflecting the institution's commitment to access rather than test score-driven selectivity. These ranges demonstrate that most enrolled students perform at or above national averages on standardized assessments while the institution maintains inclusive admissions practices. Students scoring within the 856-1068 SAT range align well with the enrolled student profile, though scores outside this range do not preclude admission given the 92.6% acceptance rate. Prospective applicants should view these ranges as typical rather than required, with the university evaluating applications holistically beyond test scores alone. Students with scores below the 25th percentile should expect to be part of a smaller but still significant portion of the enrolled class, while those above the 75th percentile represent high-achieving students choosing Tennessee State for its programs, location, or affordability rather than admissions selectivity.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
Tennessee State University enrolls a diverse student body reflecting its commitment to educational access and opportunity. The university serves 51.8% Pell-eligible students, indicating that more than half the student body comes from lower-income families, well above national averages for four-year institutions. First-generation college students comprise 37.4% of enrollment, demonstrating the institution's role in expanding higher education access to families without prior college experience. Transfer students represent 12.8% of the student body, providing pathways for students beginning their education at community colleges or other institutions. This composition reflects Tennessee State's mission as a public university prioritizing broad access over selective enrollment. The high Pell share indicates robust financial aid programs and affordability measures that make college accessible to students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Students from first-generation families should recognize that more than one-third of their peers share similar backgrounds, creating a supportive environment for navigating college success. The substantial representation of transfer students signals institutional commitment to alternative educational pathways and credit recognition from previous institutions, making Tennessee State accessible to students with varied academic backgrounds and life experiences.
Given Tennessee State University's 92.6% acceptance rate, admission is highly likely for most applicants who meet basic eligibility requirements and submit complete applications.
Schools with comparable admission profiles — useful for building a balanced list.
Tennessee State University demonstrates mixed outcomes in student retention and degree completion, with specific patterns worth noting for prospective students. The university retains 60.2% of freshmen for sophomore year, below the peer median of 73.2%, indicating challenges in first-year student support and engagement. The six-year graduation rate reaches 33.0%, compared to a peer median of 49.3%, reflecting the institution's work with student populations facing multiple barriers to degree completion. However, Pell-eligible students graduate at 33.5%, slightly above the overall completion rate, indicating that financial aid and support programs effectively serve lower-income students once enrolled. The minimal gap between overall and Pell completion rates suggests that socioeconomic status is not a primary barrier to degree completion among students who persist beyond the first year. Students who gain admission should expect an environment where academic support services and financial aid programming target student success, though completion requires significant personal commitment and engagement. Prospective students should carefully consider their readiness for college-level work and their ability to utilize support services, as success at Tennessee State depends heavily on student initiative and persistence rather than high-touch guidance typical of more selective institutions.
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