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Tennessee State University

Nashville, TN

publicHBCUgraduate

Quick Facts

Think. Work. Serve

1912
Founded
Public, historically black land-grant university
Type
6,498
Total Students
6,765
Undergrad
$91M
Endowment
(2021)
$9K
Tuition (In-State)
$22K
Tuition (Out-State)
$10K
Avg Net Price
93%
Acceptance Rate
33%
Graduation Rate
6-year
60%
Retention Rate
Doctoral Universities
Classification
President: Dwayne Tucker

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Tennessee State University

TSU: A dynamic HBCU in Nashville, pioneering research and empowering future leaders.

Tennessee State University (TSU) stands as a proud and vibrant public historically black land-grant university nestled in Nashville, Tennessee. As the only state-funded HBCU in Tennessee, TSU embodies its motto, "Think. Work. Serve," by fostering a rich academic environment and a strong sense of community. A member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, TSU is more than just a university; it's a dynamic institution deeply rooted in history and committed to shaping future leaders.

Academically, TSU is recognized as an "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity" institution, highlighting its significant contributions to research and scholarship. The university offers a comprehensive range of programs, including 41 bachelor's degrees, 23 master's degrees, and 8 doctoral degrees across its 10 schools and colleges. Notably, TSU boasts the largest health science program in Tennessee, ranking among the largest nationwide, providing unparalleled opportunities for students pursuing careers in healthcare.

Since its establishment in 1912 as the Tennessee Agricultural & Industrial State Normal School for Negroes, TSU has continually evolved and expanded. A period of substantial growth from 1943 to 1968 saw the construction of much of the campus's facilities and the establishment of its graduate school. In a landmark moment in 2022, TSU received a historic $250 million investment from the state legislature, marking the largest single investment ever made into a historically black institution in the country, aimed at upgrading facilities and academic programs.

Today, with an enrollment of 8,198 students, TSU remains Nashville's sole public university, offering a unique and engaging student experience. The university celebrated a momentous occasion in 2023 when its most well-known graduate, Oprah Winfrey, delivered the commencement address. While TSU continues to advance, recent governance changes reflect a commitment to ensuring robust financial stewardship and operational excellence, ensuring its enduring legacy as a leading educational institution.

Key Highlights

  • The only state-funded historically black land-grant university in Tennessee.
  • Classified as "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity" for its significant research contributions.
  • Offers a comprehensive academic portfolio with 41 bachelor's, 23 master's, and 8 doctoral degrees.
  • Home to the largest health science program in Tennessee and one of the largest in the nation.
  • Received a historic $250 million state investment in 2022, the largest single investment into an HBCU in U.S. history.
  • Educates 8,198 students in Nashville, with a motto of "Think. Work. Serve."
  • Notable alumna Oprah Winfrey served as the commencement speaker in 2023.

Timeline

1912
Established as the Tennessee Agricultural & Industrial State Normal School for Negroes.
1925
Name changed to Tennessee Agricultural & Industrial State Normal College.
1927
Became known as Tennessee Agricultural & Industrial State College.
1944
Awarded its first master's degrees.
1946
Fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
1968
Officially changed its name to Tennessee State University.
1979
Merged with the University of Tennessee at Nashville due to a court mandate.
2022
Awarded a historic $250 million from the state legislature for facilities and academic programs.
2023
Alumna Oprah Winfrey served as the official commencement speaker.
2024
Tennessee Governor signed legislation removing and replacing the entire Board of Trustees.
🏛️
114 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

1 notable schools within Tennessee State University

🎓

Graduate School

Established during a period of significant expansion, offering master's and doctoral degrees across various disciplines.

Leadership

Dwayne Tucker
President
Robbie K. Melton
Provost

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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