About Tennessee State University
Tennessee State University is a public university located in Nashville, Tennessee, which was established in 1912 as the Agricultural and Industrial State Normal School. In 1922, the Agricultural and Industrial State Normal School was transformed into a four-year teacher’s college. Due to the increase in growth, the school received university status in 1951 and the university changed its name to Tennessee State University in 1968.
Tennessee State University is a comprehensive, co-educational university that offers associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. In addition to traditional academic offerings, Tennessee State University also offers a variety of online programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional licensure levels. Tennessee State University online degrees are taught by world-class faculty who teach students to be problem solvers and critical thinkers as they learn to apply what was learned in the classroom to real-world situations. These online degrees are designed to meet the professional and personal needs of students around the world.
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Accreditation & Licensing
Tennessee State University is accredited by:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Type:
4-year, PublicHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableGraduate Enrollment:
1,750Fully Online Graduate Students:
26%Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$27,000Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
73%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$13,650Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesTennessee State University can work well for adults who need to keep working while in school. One graduate program is built for working adults and offers flexible scheduling. That setup helps students keep moving each term, even when work and life get busy.
Cost and time to finish can vary. Tuition may feel manageable, and grants can lower total cost. At times, aid processing and scholarship rules can slow progress. Clear, on-time aid each term helps students stay on track and finish as planned.
At Tennessee State University, support is strongest in the classroom. Professors are often caring and invested in student success. The Writing Center is also a useful place to get help when classes get tough.
Administrative support can be less consistent. Clear answers may take time, and students may be passed between offices. Follow-up is not always steady, which can slow decisions about aid and other term details.
Even with that gap, many students find real day-to-day support in their courses. Strong faculty relationships can make a big difference as students move through each term.
TSU includes online classes that fit working adults. The schedule can work for job and family demands. Pace and structure support students who need to keep moving.
Some graduate paths use a cohort model. You move with the same peers over time. Career prep includes clinical practicum plus content courses. That adds hands-on training, not just at-home classwork.
Classes at Tennessee State University can be demanding in a good way. Graduate courses are often challenging and rewarding. Many professors bring strong knowledge and real care for students. That support matters when the pace picks up and expectations grow.
Cohort learning helps students stay connected from term to term. Practicum work links class lessons to real jobs and daily practice. Teaching can vary by course, and some classes require more independent work outside class. Even so, many students feel a strong sense of belonging, and that people-first culture shapes the academic experience in lasting ways.
Tennessee State University offers a mixed but often positive student experience. Many students describe a strong community and a real family feel. That sense of belonging can make daily life easier and keep students motivated.
Classes are often solid, with professors who know their subjects and care about students. Graduate courses can feel challenging and worth the effort. Career prep is built into many programs through cohort learning and practicum work.
At times, teaching quality varies, and some classes need clearer instruction. Administrative support can also feel uneven, with office handoffs and slow callbacks. Financial aid and scholarship steps can affect planning. TSU can be a strong choice when support systems run smoothly.
Tennessee State University offers a mixed but often positive student experience. Many students describe a strong community and a real family feel. That sense of belonging can make daily life easier and keep students motivated.
Classes are often solid, with professors who know their subjects and care about students. Graduate courses can feel challenging and worth the effort. Career prep is built into many programs through cohort learning and practicum work.
At times, teaching quality varies, and some classes need clearer instruction. Administrative support can also feel uneven, with office handoffs and slow callbacks. Financial aid and scholarship steps can affect planning. TSU can be a strong choice when support systems run smoothly.
Online Programs offered by Tennessee State University
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Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee State University
Is Tennessee State University accredited?
Yes. Tennessee State University is institutionally accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
How many online programs does Tennessee State University offer?
Tennessee State University offers 33 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Tennessee State University offer?
Tennessee State University offers programs from bachelor's through master's and doctoral levels.
How should students contact admissions at Tennessee State University?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Tennessee State University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Tennessee State University falls into GetEducated’s $$ tuition tier, which points to a mid tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Tennessee State University?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Tennessee State University first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most Tennessee State University programs require?
GPA requirements typically range from 2.0 to 3.2, and 2.5 appears most often.
Is Tennessee State University military friendly?
Tennessee State University does not show Yellow Ribbon support. If military benefits matter for your plan, check current military options before you apply.
How can students request information from Tennessee State University through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Tennessee State University applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Occupational License, Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), and Statement of Purpose/Intent. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Tennessee State University accept life experience credit?
Tennessee State University does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are Tennessee State University programs fully online or mixed?
Tennessee State University programs are primarily listed as 100% Online, which can help students screen for schedule fit before applying.
What kinds of online programs does Tennessee State University offer?
Tennessee State University has online program options in areas such as Education, Business, Healthcare, and Nursing; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Do any Tennessee State University programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP); Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN); Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (CAA-ASHA).
Are any admission tests required for Tennessee State University programs?
Some listed programs include GRE requirements, so students should check test expectations before choosing a program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Tennessee State University?
Some programs show different in-state and out-of-state tuition totals, so check your specific program cost.
Do any Tennessee State University programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Tennessee State University?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Tennessee State University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Tennessee State University programs?
Working adults should compare program format, pacing, total cost, and application requirements before choosing a path.
Featured Ranking Reports
Tennessee State University is featured in 13 of our ranking reports!
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Geographic and Educational Overview
Tennessee State University is located in Tennessee
Tennessee at a Glance:
Top Majors in Tennessee:
Top Incentives in Tennessee:
- Tennessee Promise: Covers community college tuition
Top Career Pathways in Tennessee:
- Entry Level: Clinic Manager ($60,000)
- Mid Level: Healthcare Administrator ($95,000)
- Senior Level: Hospital Director ($150,000+)
- Required Education: BS Healthcare Administration
- Certifications: ACHE, CMPE