Tennessee State University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Tennessee State’s 70% acceptance rate means admission is attainable, but the 34% freshman retention rate makes fit and preparation especially important. Since scores are required and most applicants submit the ACT, aim for a 21 or higher, or about a 1030 SAT, while keeping your GPA near or above 3.38.
⬡ LangSmith1520a5bd-da76-49c4-8279-21985e14f5beData on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Tennessee State University facts and stats
Tennessee State University is an urban public university with an undergraduate enrollment of 5,057 students. Tennessee State has a freshman retention rate of 34% and a 6-year graduation rate of 35%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 11:1. Tennessee State is test-required for admissions.
⬡ LangSmithb7989c8f-8966-4c63-9403-09aba80a3c9bNashville, TN
How do your scores compare at Tennessee State?
Key Tennessee State University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
August 1
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
April 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
Because Tennessee State requires test scores, plan to take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year. Use the summer before senior year for retakes, since the Regular Decision deadline is August 1 and fall senior-year scores will not arrive in time for that deadline.
⬡ LangSmith9fc79077-6e1a-4b2a-90d8-3bf680dec484Want to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at Tennessee State University?
Higher test scores can mean bigger merit awards. Acely helps you get there faster.
What you'll actually pay
Tennessee State is a public Ohio Valley Conference university with in-state tuition of $7,368 and out-of-state tuition of $21,168. With an average merit award of $12,706 and 68% of students receiving aid, scholarships can help with costs. Submit the FAFSA by the April 1 priority deadline.
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For out-of-state students, Tennessee State’s tuition is $21,168, while in-state tuition is $7,368; room and board adds $9,228. Financial aid is common, with 68% of students receiving aid and an average aid package of $15,107. Merit awards average $12,706, which can reduce the posted price for qualifying students. Graduates leave with an average debt of $41,229.
⬡ LangSmithfe98b3dc-2ee0-4bb3-ad7f-f389d217d544Student life at Tennessee State University
71% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: No guarantee
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus.
Similar schools
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TNAcceptance rate: 86.2%
SAT: 980–1190
ACT: 19–26
Clayton State University
Morrow, GAAcceptance rate: 68.5%
SAT: 890–1090
ACT: 15–19
Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, TNAcceptance rate: 96.4%
SAT: 828–1108
ACT: 13–21
Bowie State University
Bowie, MDAcceptance rate: 75%
SAT: 790–970
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