Tennessee State University's published cost of attendance is $25,637. Financial aid reshapes that figure across income levels: low-income families pay approximately $15,005, families in the lower-middle range pay around $15,840, middle-income families pay about $15,579, families in the upper-middle range pay approximately $20,624, and higher-income families pay roughly $20,099.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $25,637 |
| Tuition and Fees | $22,416 |
| Room and Board | $11,150 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,600 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$9,841 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $15,796 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $15,005 |
| $30–48k | $15,840 |
| $48–75k | $15,579 |
| $75–110k | $20,624 |
| $110k+ | $20,099 |
Tennessee State University's published cost of attendance is $25,637. Financial aid reshapes that figure across income levels: low-income families pay approximately $15,005, families in the lower-middle range pay around $15,840, middle-income families pay about $15,579, families in the upper-middle range pay approximately $20,624, and higher-income families pay roughly $20,099. Azimuth ranks Tennessee State University #599 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. Net prices by income band are medians within those bands; individual aid packages vary, so some families in each band pay more and some less than the figures shown. Tennessee State University's aid structure combines federal (Pell Grants, Direct Loans), state, and institutional aid programs. The university participates in need-based aid allocation, and families apply using the FAFSA. The gap between published cost and net price reflects the institution's commitment to making attendance affordable across income levels, though the specific aid package each family receives depends on individual circumstances and demonstrated financial need. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $27,000, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $18,771; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $53,808, median federal debt of $27,000 projects to a monthly payment of about $305 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use .
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt-to-earnings data not available.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Graduates of Tennessee State University earn median 4-year earnings of $53,808, placing Tennessee State University in the 13.5 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn at roughly the same level as similar students at comparable institutions, placing Tennessee State University in the 62.7 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. Azimuth ranks Tennessee State University #963 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions — in the 35.0 percentile for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. These figures represent lifetime returns relative to TN's no-degree-equivalent earnings baseline of $31,130 (the state median earnings of working adults age 25–34 with only a high school credential). The earnings pattern centers on health and allied health fields, reflecting Tennessee State University's dominant program concentration. Business Administration is the largest program with 94 graduates earning median 4-year earnings of $57,083, performing at 0.8x the national benchmark for the field. The Psychology, General program graduates 65 students earning $46,721, and the The Biology, General program graduates 60 students earning $59,855. Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other and Criminal Justice round out the largest cohorts, each contributing to the institution's health-sector focus and supporting stable career pathways in nursing, allied health, and related fields where employer demand remains consistent.
