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Ohio Valley Conference

Tennessee State University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range900 to 1030

ACT Range16 to 21

Average GPA3.38

Acceptance Rate70.2%

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.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

Tennessee State University facts and stats

Quick Facts

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.

Location

Nashville, TN

Undergrad Enrollment5,057

Freshman Retention34%

SettingUrban

Student to Faculty Ratio11:1

Graduation Rate35%

Test PolicyTest-required

How do your scores compare at Tennessee State?

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Key Tennessee State University application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

August 1

Early Action

Not offered

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

—

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

April 1

Test dates

SAT 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

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

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.

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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.

In-State Tuition$7,368

Out-of-State Tuition$21,168

Room and Board$9,228

Average Merit Award$12,706

Application Fee$25

Students on Aid68%

Average Aid Package$15,107

Average Debt at Grad$41,229

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.